Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Zoey’s POV

The parking lot was nearly empty, giving me a few precious minutes to breathe and try to collect my thoughts. Edward was probably already spreading word at the event that I had resigned. In a few minutes, my phone would start buzzing with messages from Lisa and the rest of the team-surprised, confused, maybe even disappointed.

But before I could deal with any of those consequences, I had something more important to do.

I turned back and reentered the complex, this time avoiding the main hall. I needed to find Christian-and fast.

I spotted Marcus first, overseeing some final adjustments to an interactive display. When he saw me, his brows shot up in surprise.

“Zoey Bennett.” He smiled-polite, but distant. “I heard you had… an interesting afternoon.”

“News travels fast.” I kept my tone neutral. “I need to speak with Christian. It’s urgent.”

Marcus hesitated, clearly weighing whether or not he should help me.

“He’s in a quick meeting with the tech team.”

I nodded my thanks and headed in the direction he indicated. Christian stood with his back to me, talking with two men who were gesturing toward an open laptop. I took a deep breath and stepped closer.

“Christian?”

He turned, surprise flickering across his face. For an instant, something else flashed in his eyes-concern? relief? but it was quickly replaced by the CEO mask I knew so well.

“Zoey.” He turned to the technicians. “Give me a minute, please.”

When the men stepped away, Christian led me toward an even more secluded corner, well out of earshot.

“Are you alright?” His voice was softer now. “I heard what happened with Elise.”

“I’m fine.” I dismissed it with a wave of my hand. “That’s not why I came.”

He waited, focused.

“Sunvale is planning to sabotage Kensington’s presentation tomorrow,” I blurted out, keeping my voice low.” Something about an important contract with Ascian importers you’re competing for.”

Christian’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re sure of this?”

“Absolutely.” I swallowed hard, aware that I was possibly violating confidentiality clauses. “Technically, I could be sued just for telling you this. But I couldn’t let it happen.”

“Why?”

The question caught me off guard.

“What do you mean, why?”

“Why are you telling me?” His gaze was intense, searching. “This could hurt your career.”

“I don’t have a career at Sunvale anymore.” I lifted my chin, holding his eyes. “I resigned the moment Edward suggested I should take part in the sabotage.”

A shadow crossed Christian’s face.

“Edward Mendez.” The name came out almost like a growl. “I always suspected his tactics.”

“Well, you were right about him from the start.” I glanced around nervously. “I only found out today that he hired me because of my… connection to you.”

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