Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Christian’s POV

Breakfast at the Kensington estate in Highridge Valley had always been a lonely affair for me. During my childhood and teenage years, it was rare to see my parents at the table. The staff kept a respectful distance, and I got used to eating in silence, mentally reviewing my day’s commitments.

Except when Joseph was there.

“This is not breakfast!” my grandfather exclaimed, glaring at the black coffee and barely touched toast in front of me. “In my day, men ate like men! Eggs, fresh bread, ham…” He gestured toward his own abundant plate. “That’s why your generation is always anxious. You don’t eat properly!”

I smiled despite my exhaustion. I had slept poorly, waking several times during the night, my body instinctively reaching for Zoey beside me. The awkward phone call that morning had only worsened my mood.

“I’m fine, Grandpa. Just not very hungry today.”

Joseph studied me with those sharp eyes that seemed to see through any façade.

“It’s your wife. You miss her.” It wasn’t a question. “Why on earth do you young people invent this nonsense of living apart? In my day, man and woman stayed together. Simple as that.”

I sighed, already anticipating the speech to come.

“Your grandma and I never spent a single night apart after we married. Not even when we fought! And we fought a lot since that woman had the temper of the devil!” A nostalgic smile crossed his face. “But we slept together. Woke up together. That’s what marriage is.”

“Times are different, Grandpa.” I took a sip of coffee, buying myself a moment. “The wedding and honeymoon happened very suddenly. Zoey needs time to organize the life she left in Solara. Her family’s there.”

“Family?” Joseph frowned. “Then bring her family too! They’re good people. I met them at the wedding. That sister is a character! And this house is far too big for just an old man like me and a young couple.” He swept his arms wide, encompassing the mansion around us.

I smiled again, imagining my mother’s reaction if I told her I had invited the entire Bennett family to move into the estate. The heart attack would be instant.

“It’s not that simple, Grandpa. Zoey has her own life, her own obligations.” I hesitated, searching for the right words. “She needs time to adjust. To get settled.”

“You young people make everything complicated.” Joseph shook his head in disbelief.

I held back the urge to explain that the world had changed a lot in the last sixty years. That women no longer gave up their careers and aspirations just because they got married. That Zoey was independent, determined, and above all, still adapting to a marriage that began as… well, that was something I definitely wouldn’t explain.

“She’s coming to visit us this weekend,” I offered, hoping to cheer him up.

Joseph’s face lit up instantly.

“Really?” He clapped his hands, delighted. “Excellent! I’ll ask Carmen to prepare that bacalhau she liked so much at the dinner before the wedding.”

His enthusiasm was contagious, and I felt a warmth spread in my chest. To Joseph, Zoey was already part of the family-no reservations, no conditions, no expiration date.

“I’ll show her the new seedlings in the organic project,” I added, unable to hide my own excitement. “She seemed really interested when I told her about it.’

“It’s a good project.” Joseph nodded solemnly. “Your grandma always said we should respect the land as much as we respect the wine it gives us. I think Zoey will understand that.”

Before I could answer, the dining room door opened and Marcus walked in, already dressed in formal business attire- surprising, considering his usual habit of arriving late to morning meetings.

“Good morning, family!” he greeted, leaning down to kiss the top of Joseph’s head before serving himself some coffee. ” Christian, I need to talk to you about those new vines on the west slope.”

Something in his tone put me on alert.

“Is there a problem?”

Marcus hesitated, glancing sideways at Joseph.

“Maybe we should discuss it in the office.”

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