Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 434

Chapter 434

Vivian’s POV

The road wound through the rolling hills of Highridge Valley, and I watched the vineyards stretch as far as the eye could see. It was ironic to be heading to a winery when our lives had turned into complete chaos because of another family in the same business. But Dominic had insisted this trip was essential to his plans, even though he refused to explain what those plans actually were.

“Why do you want to buy a winery?” I finally asked, breaking the silence that had filled the car for miles.” You’ve never shown any real interest in wine beyond drinking it at parties. And you prefer whiskey, last I checked.”

Dominic kept his eyes on the road, but I caught the satisfied smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“It’s part of my plan,” he said simply, as if that explained anything.

“What plan, Dominic?” I pressed, my patience starting to wear thin. “You’ve been dragging me to secret meetings, strange encounters, and now we’re driving out to visit a woman under house arrest to talk about buying a property that makes zero sense for your business.”

He finally glanced at me, and there was something cold in his eyes that made me swallow whatever protest I’d been about to make.

“The problem with you, Vivian, is that you can’t see long-term,” he said, his condescending tone instantly setting my teeth on edge. “You’re always focused on the immediate, on what can be fixed today. Big moves take time to unfold.”

Before I could respond, we reached the gates of the Montgomery estate. It was impressive, I had to admit. A colonial-style mansion surrounded by acres of meticulously maintained vineyards. Hard to believe the owner was facing such serious legal trouble.

We were greeted by a middle-aged woman who introduced herself as the housekeeper and led us to an elegant office where two people were waiting. I recognized Francesca Montgomery immediately. Even dressed casually, without the elaborate makeup she usually wore to social events, she still carried that haughty posture that had always made everyone else feel smaller.

Beside her stood a man in a suit who was clearly her lawyer, holding a folder stuffed with documents and wearing a grim expression.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the lawyer said as soon as we entered, “as Ms. Montgomery is serving house arrest under electronic monitoring, I must inform you that this visit is being officially recorded for legal purposes. Any discussion of illegal activities will result in the immediate termination of this meeting.”

“Of course,” Dominic agreed easily, slipping into an expression of complete innocence that I knew was fake.

The lawyer had to say it. That much was obvious. But he was also being paid very well to make sure whatever was said in that room stayed there.

Francesca studied us with calculating eyes before speaking.

“So,” she said, leaning back in her leather chair, “you said you’re interested in buying the winery. The thing is, I’m not interested in selling.”

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To my surprise, Dominic smiled like that was exactly the answer he’d been hoping for. He sat down without being formally invited and leaned forward, adopting a more intimate posture.

“After our conversation today, I’m sure you’ll change your mind,” he said confidently. “For starters, I don’t want to buy one hundred percent. I want you as a partner.”

Francesca let out a bitter laugh.

“And who would want a prisoner as a partner?”

“Someone who understands the value of experience,” Dominic replied smoothly, “and of… proper motivation.”

What followed was one of the most elaborate, calculated conversations I’d ever witnessed. Dominic began laying out his ideas for Francesca, painting scenario after scenario about how they could work together, how Montgomery Winery could benefit from a strategic partnership, how certain market connections could be leveraged.

I watched, fascinated, as he spun a complex web of possibilities. He spoke in terms vague enough not to alarm the lawyer, yet specific enough to fully capture Francesca’s attention. He mentioned distribution routes, international trade agreements, marketing strategies that could reposition the Montgomery brand after the scandal.

But there was something in Francesca’s eyes that told me she was hearing more than just business proposals. There was hunger there. A craving that went far beyond financial success.

“Interesting,” she said at last, once Dominic finished. “But there’s one thing I don’t understand. All of your plans seem less focused on making Montgomery thrive again after the scandal and more focused on…”

She let the sentence hang, waiting for him to finish it.

“Destroying the Kensington family,” Dominic said without hesitation, the smile on his face downright predatory. “Yes. And that’s exactly why I want you as my partner. Because you hate them just as much as I do.”

The silence that followed was thick with tension. The lawyer shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearly trying to pretend he hadn’t heard where the conversation was heading. But Francesca… Francesca was completely absorbed.

family is what landed me here,” she said finally, lifting the hem of her skirt just enough to reveal ankle monitor wrapped around her ankle. The device blinked softly, a constant reminder of her

ame, you’ll have a powerful ally,” Dominic insisted.

had one last time too,” Francesca shot back bitterly. “They’re worse off than I am now. At least I’m stuck at home. One of them is stuck in a wheelchair, and the other is rotting in a prison cell.”

Dominic leaned even closer, and when he spoke, his voice carried a dark promise.

“And maybe you’ll stay right here for a few more years. But… won’t it be so much more satisfying knowing you got your revenge?”

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