Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

The Kensington family’s private jet flew over the hills of Southridge, and I still couldn’t get used to the idea that, at least technically, this aircraft was also “mine.” Annabelle, on the other and, already seemed perfectly comfortable with the new reality.

“Explain to me again why you’re still paying rent on that tiny apartment?” she asked, reclining in the white leather seat while a flight attendant poured her more champagne. “Because honestly, sis, this right here is…” She gestured broadly at the luxurious cabin. “Another level.”

“Annie, keep your voice down,” I whispered, even though I knew the crew was trained to be discreetly deaf to passengers’ conversations.

“Why?” She laughed. “It’s the truth. You’re practically the owner of this magnificent thing and you act like it’s just some taxi.” “I don’t own anything,” I corrected automatically. “It’s Christian’s ”

Annie rolled her eyes so dramatically I could almost hear it.

I opened my mouth to argue, but the landing light switched on, and the flight attendant came over to check our seatbelts. Moments later, we were descending the jet’s steps onto the private runway, where Christian, Marcus, and even Joseph waited by a black Range Rover.

My heart skipped at the sight of Christian. A week apart shouldn’t have had that effect, but apparently it did.

“Hi, stranger,” I greeted, trying to sound casual as I approached.

His smile was restrained, but his eyes betrayed the same happiness I felt.

“Welcome to Highridge Valley,” he said, leaning in to brush a chaste kiss on my cheek.

Annabelle swept past us like a hurricane, heading straight for Marcus and giving him a kiss that was definitely not family- appropriate. Joseph let out a booming laugh.

“That girl’s got spirit!” he declared, opening his arms wide for me “Zoey, my dear, so good to see you again!”

The Kensington patriarch’s hug was surprisingly strong. When we pulled apart, he kept his hands on my shoulders, studying me carefully.

“Are you well? Is Christian taking care of you?”

“I’m fine, Joseph,” I assured him. “I’m just

reog things in Solara.”

His expression shifted into a look of disapproval.

“Ah yes, Christian mentioned that modern nonsense about living apart. Foolishness, if you ask me.”

Annabelle chose that moment to jump into the conversation, after finally letting Marcus breathe.

“You know what I told her?” she said, as if she and Joseph had been friends forever. “I said: ‘Zoey, you have access to a private jet and a mansion, but you’d rather keep paying rent on that little box in Maravista?”” She shook her head dramatically. “My sister’s always been stubborn, Mr. Kensington.”

Heat rushed up my neck as everyone laughed. Christian seemed to notice my discomfort and subtly guided everyone toward the vehicle.

“Shall we? Lunch should be ready.”

Lunch was served on the covered terrace, overlooking the vineyards. The table was elegantly set for five, with the finest porcelain and silverware. Carmen, the housekeeper I had briefly met before the wedding, oversaw the service with quiet efficiency.

“A toast!” Joseph declared as soon as the glasses were filled with a pale white wine. “To the family, together again!”

The meal was extraordinary, blending traditional Valentian techniques with local Verdaniaian ingredients. Joseph dominated most of the conversation, sharing stories from his youth.

It was during dessert-a tiramisu that even Annie, a fierce critic of sweets, declared “divine”-that Joseph returned to the subject of our living situation.

“Zoey, when are you going to stop this nonsense of staying in Solara and come here, where you belong?”

The direct question caught me off guard, my spoon frozen in midair.

“Grandpa…” Christian began in a warning tone.

“What? It’s not a crime to ask!” Joseph protested. “I don’t understand this business of married couples living apart. Your grandmother would have smacked me on the head if I’d ever suggested such a thing.”

“Times are different, Grandpa,” Christian argued, his voice patient “Zoey and I are adjusting.”

“Adjusting to what? Marriage?” Joseph waved a dismissive hand. “Marriage is simple. Two people, one house, one life.”

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