Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 436

Chapter 436

Marcus’ POV

The Range Rover was perfectly equipped for our little expedition into the Castorian mountains. When Christian first suggested this competitive retreat, I’d imagined a complete disaster. But glancing in the rearview mirror at the group riding with me, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Marcus, are you sure this GPS is actually working?” Mia asked from the back seat, eyeing the screen suspiciously. “Because it looks like we’re heading straight into the middle of nowhere.”

“That’s exactly where we’re going,” I replied, adjusting the mirror to get a better view of the winding road climbing through the hills. “Christian thinks an isolated competition in the mountains will bond the Kensington Valentian team like never before.”

Madeline laughed softly beside me, one hand resting discreetly on her belly.

“At least the car has heating,” she said, watching the landscape dusted with a thin layer of morning frost. “And we’re not sleeping in tents like some corporate retreats do.”

“Thank God for that,” Olivia said from the back, visibly relieved. “When Luke mentioned competitive camping, I pictured myself sleeping on frozen ground and eating military rations.”

“You’ll still be eating outdoors,” Luke noted, checking something on his phone. “But at least it’ll be food prepared by chefs who specialize in outdoor activities.”

In the rearview mirror, I noticed how Olivia paid attention when my brother spoke, even if she tried to keep it subtle.

“Since when do you know all the details of this camp?” Mia asked Luke, raising an eyebrow.

“Since Christian called me last night to confirm equipment,” Luke replied casually. “Apparently some of the activities involve rappelling and climbing.”

“Rappelling?!” Madeline turned to me in alarm. “No one mentioned rappelling when you all convinced me to come!”

“You’re not rappelling,” I assured her immediately, reaching for her hand. “Christian may be obsessed with competition, but he’s not crazy enough to put a pregnant woman on a rope hanging off a mountain.”

“While everyone else risks their lives in the mountains, Madeline and I will be supervising from a safe spot, Mia declared cheerfully.

“How convenient for you,” I said, well aware of my sister’s escape tactics.

“Someone has to make sure our team doesn’t lose points due to recklessness,” she replied with mock seriousness.

“So noble,” Luke commented dryly.

“I’m a strategic person,” Mia shot back, making Olivia smile quietly.

“How much longer?” Madeline asked, looking out the window at the increasingly wild scenery.

11

1/3

“About forty minutes,” I said, checking the GPS. “We’re almost at the park area.”

“And how long are we actually competing?” she continued, her tone hinting at concern over the intensity.

“Three days,” I answered. “We arrive today, check in, and have the first activity. Saturday and Sunday are the main competition days. We head back Sunday late afternoon.”

“Three days competing in the mountains in January,” Mia sighed. “Christian has truly lost his mind.”

“The accommodations are heated,” Luke reassured her. “Cabins with private bathrooms.”

“How do you know so much?” Olivia asked, genuinely curious.

“Because I helped Christian choose the location,” Luke admitted. “He wanted something challenging, but didn’t want anyone dying of hypothermia in the process.”

“So you’re partially responsible for this madness,” I accused my brother.

“Partially responsible for making sure none of you sleep in freezing tents,” he corrected. “You’re welcome.”

“At least someone thought about basic logistics,” Madeline said, visibly relieved.

“Actually,” Olivia said, pulling a few sheets of paper out of her bag, “I managed to get some information about how the competition works. Want to hear it?”

“Please,” I replied, genuinely curious about what Christian had cooked up.

“Three teams from different companies,” she began. “Points system per activity, with a final ranking on Sunday night.”

“Different companies?” I asked, intrigued. “Which ones?”

“We don’t know yet,” Luke said. “It’s being kept secret until we arrive. Christian only said they’re all in the same sector as us.”

“Wineries,” Madeline concluded.

“Exactly. Three wineries competing in activities that test teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving under

pressure.”

“That definitely makes things more interesting,” I admitted. “And more competitive.”

“The activities include rappelling, mountain navigation, shelter building, rafting…” Olivia continued reading.

“Rafting in January?” Mia asked, incredulous.

“With proper gear,” Luke clarified. “Wetsuits, full thermal equipment.”

“Even so,” Madeline said, clearly uneasy about the intensity.

“You’re not rafting,” I promised again. “No rappelling, no shelter building. You’ll just supervise and cheer for the team.”

“And I’ll keep her company,” Mia added quickly.

2/3

“Some activities are mandatory for all team members,” Olivia pointed out, scanning her notes.

“Which ones?” I asked.

“Basic orientation, group problem-solving, and the final activity on Sunday they’re calling the ‘Collective Leadership Challenge.””

“That sounds less physical,” Madeline said, relieved.

“And probably more strategic,” I added. “The kind of thing where experience actually matters.”

“Exactly,” Luke agreed. “They balanced it well. It’s not just about physical endurance.”

“Still,” Olivia said thoughtfully, “it’ll be interesting to compete against other wineries. I’m curious who they are.

11

“Less than half an hour and we’ll find out,” I replied, noticing the road narrowing and growing wilder.

The landscape had completely changed. We’d left the cultivated hills behind and entered rougher terrain, pine trees covering steep slopes, small streams cutting through the rocks. It was beautiful, but undeniably isolated.

“There,” Mia pointed ahead. “There’s a sign.”

I slowed as we approached a fork in the road. A large, rustic wooden sign pointed in three different directions, each labeled with a company name.

Arrow to the left: Kensington Camp

Arrow straight ahead: Ross Camp

Arrow to the right: Montgomery Camp

My blood went cold when I read the third name.

“Montgomery,” I murmured, tension slipping into my voice before I could stop it.

“You know that winery?” Madeline asked, immediately catching the shift in my mood.

I stared at the sign, processing the implications. Francesca Montgomery. The woman who had tried to destroy Christian and Zoey. And now we were about to spend three days competing directly against them in the isolated mountains of Castoria.

“Yes,” I said flatly, turning the wheel to the left. “I know the Montgomerys.”

Comments

ப

Support

+2

Share

3/3