Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Christian’s POV

I saw her the moment I stepped into the main hall. It was impossible not to notice Zoey, even from behind, organizing something with her team. The way she gestured, the slight tilt of her head when she listened-these were details I’d memorized without meaning to during our time together.

I avoided looking her way for the rest of the morning, focusing instead on the Kensington representatives and the scheduled meetings. But my awareness of her lingered, like a subtle magnetic field pulling my attention every time she moved across the space.

It was Marcus who mentioned the incident first.

“Seems there was some commotion with the Sunvale team,” he said casually, checking his phone. “Something about a fight between Zoey Bennett and Elise Banks.”

My head snapped around, every sense on high alert.

“A fight? What kind of fight?”

Marcus raised his brows, surprised at my reaction.

“From what I’m hearing, a slap was thrown. Security had to step in.”

Without a second thought, I abandoned our conversation, ignoring Marcus’s calls as I headed toward the far side of the hall. A cluster of people near one of the side corridors confirmed the story. I caught fragments of whispered conversations: ‘Kensington’s ex,’ ‘lost her composure,’ ‘completely unprofessional.’

Then I saw her. Zoey was being led away by Edward Mendez, his hand on her elbow in a way that felt far too intimate, making my blood boil. Her face bore a faint red mark on her left cheek. Somehow, she looked smaller, more fragile than the confident woman I’d seen commanding her team earlier.

Our eyes met briefly-long enough for me to catch the mixture of shame and confusion in hers. Then Edward guided her down a corridor, toward the private meeting rooms.

I followed instinctively, keeping a discreet distance. I stopped when I saw them slip into a small room at the end of the hall. Edward closed the door, but not fully-just enough of a gap remained.

Slowly, I moved closer, torn between my concern for Zoey and the knowledge that I was intruding on a private moment. Through the crack, I caught a partial view of the room. Edward sat far too close to her, leaning in, his hand brushing her arm in gestures that looked anything but professional.

The closeness between them hit me like a punch. Was there something between them? Had Zoey really moved on? I tried to tamp down the sharp sting of jealousy slicing through me, reminding myself I had no right to feel it. I had been the one to refuse her that morning, I had chosen to let her go.

Then, in one swift motion, Edward brushed his fingers across Zoey’s face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a gesture that felt almost intimate.

That was enough. I stepped back, suddenly feeling like an intruder, as though I’d been spying on something that wasn’t mine to see.

As I walked back down the corridor, I tried to rationalize the knot twisting in my chest. Zoey was free to live her life, free to find someone new. Someone who, unlike me, didn’t carry the weight of a family empire, suffocating traditions, or a treacherous ex-girlfriend.

Someone normal. Exactly what she deserved.

Zoey’s POV

“The incident drew quite a bit of attention,” Edward said, his tone surprisingly light as he handed me a glass of water. “Rumors are already spreading about what was said between the two of you.”

I drank in silence, still trying to process what had just happened. The humiliation of the scene, Elise’s slap, the spectators’ stares. And worse, the brief glimpse of Christian watching as Edward led me away. What must he be thinking of me now?

“It wasn’t my brightest moment,” I admitted at last.

“On the contrary.” Edward sat beside me, far too close for comfort. “It was exactly the kind of… spark we needed.”

I frowned, not understanding.

“What do you mean?”

He smiled a smile that never reached his eyes.

“Zoey, I need to tell you a secret. The real reason I hired you.’

My stomach tightened. Christian’s warnings echoed in my mind.

“I’m listening.”

“Sunvale is about to sign an exclusive contract with the biggest wine import network in Ascia. A contract Kensington is also fighting for.” He paused, watching my reaction. “A contract that will define the future of our winery.”

“I understand perfectly how it works,” I replied, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. “And that’s exactly why I’m resigning.”

Edward blinked, clearly not expecting that reaction.

“Don’t be rash. Think carefully about what you’re doing.”

“I already have.” I pulled off my badge and set it on the table. “I won’t sabotage Christian. I won’t betray anyone’s trust—not even Elise’s. I’m not that kind of person.”

“You’re throwing away a promising career for a man who walked away from you?” The disbelief in his voice was almost comical.

“No. I’m choosing not to become the kind of person you want me to be.”

He stepped closer, his expression suddenly threatening.

“You signed a contract, Zoey. With confidentiality clauses.”

“None of which include participating in industrial sabotage.” I headed for the door.

“You’ll regret this,” he said as I opened it. “No one turns their back on me and simply walks away. And definitely no one chooses Kensington over Sunvale.”

I stopped, turning one last time.

“I’m not choosing Kensington. I’m choosing myself.”

With that, I left the room, striding quickly down the corridor. I crossed the main hall without glancing to either side, ignoring the stares and whispers. I only stopped when I reached the parking lot, the crisp Highridge Valley air finally filling my lungs.

I was unemployed. Again. In a city far from home, without a car, with my suitcase back at the hotel and no plan.

But despite everything, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. For the first time in a long while, I was absolutely certain I had made the right choice.

Now, I just had to figure out where to go next.