Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Anthony Kensington stood just a few steps from me, his elegant figure standing out among the guests. With a calculated smile that never reached his eyes, he extended one of the two glasses of champagne he held in my direction.

“A woman like you shouldn’t be alone at a party like this,” he remarked, his voice smooth as velvet, but with a note that sent an uncomfortable shiver down my spine.

“Thank you, but I’d rather stick with water tonight,” I declined politely, lifting my nearly empty glass.

“Not drinking?” His gaze drifted slowly over my body, lingering far too long on certain places before returning to my face. “Interesting.”

There was something in the way he said that simple word that made me feel utterly exposed.

“I’m just not in the mood,” I replied, keeping my voice firm despite the growing discomfort.

“Christian has always been lucky,” Anthony commented, completely ignoring my response as he stepped closer. “Even his more… impulsive decisions seem to work in his favor.”

“I don’t consider our marriage impulsive,” I lied, instinctively taking a small step back. “It happened at exactly the right time.”

Anthony’s smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth.

“Of course.” He took a sip of champagne, his eyes never leaving mine. “You know, I couldn’t help but notice how completely you’ve transformed my cousin. He seems more… relaxed. You must have some very special talents.”

The innuendo was impossible to miss, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

“Christian is an extraordinary man,” I answered with a calm I didn’t feel. “Perhaps you simply didn’t know him as well as you thought.”

Anthony laughed-a low, controlled sound that held no genuine humor.

“We grew up together, Zoey.” The way he used my name so familiarly made my skin prickle. “I know Christian better than most. His strengths, his weaknesses… his ambitions.”

“Then you must know he’s a man of integrity,” I shot back, gripping my water glass tighter. “Something rare these days.”

“Integrity.” Anthony savored the word as if it were the champagne in his glass. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Marrying a complete stranger out of the blue just as our grandfather lay on his deathbed? How very… convenient.”

My heart began to race.

“Our relationship is none of your business,” I replied, my voice colder now.

He tilted his head slightly, as though acknowledging the strike.

“But you must admit it all happened very quickly. From stranger to Mrs. Kensington in, what? A few weeks?”

“Sometimes you just know.” I forced a smile. “When it’s right, it’s right.”

“Certainly.” His gaze swept over me again, openly appraising. “And Christian has always had good taste. First Francesca, now you. Very… consistent.”

The mention of Francesca hit me like a punch to the stomach. I tried not to react, but something must have flickered across my face, because Anthony’s smile grew sharper.

“Oh, so you two have already discussed her? Fascinating.” He took another step toward me, deliberately invading my personal space. “You know, Francesca and I always had a… mutual understanding. She tells me everything. Absolutely everything.”

The tone of his words implied there was far more to the story than I knew. A chill ran through me, but I held my composure.

“If you’re trying to make me insecure, Anthony, you’re wasting your time. Christian’s past is exactly that”-my voice was steady despite the nausea curling in my stomach-“the past.”

Before I could formulate a reply, a familiar voice cut in.

“Excuse me, madam.” Carmen, the housekeeper, appeared at my side with her usual polite tone. “Mr. Kensington is looking for you. He asked that I bring you to the library at once.”

Relief flooded through me instantly.

“Thank you, Carmen.” I turned to Anthony with a polite but distant smile. “If you’ll excuse me, Anthony. My husband needs me.”

Anthony stepped back with fluid grace, his expression unchanged, though something in his eyes betrayed frustration.

“Of course. We mustn’t keep Christian waiting.” He lifted his glass in a slight gesture. “We’ll continue our conversation another time. I have many… interesting stories to share.”

I turned and followed Carmen, who moved quickly and efficiently until we slipped into a side corridor, away from the main hall.

“In truth, madam, Mr. Kensington is not in the library,” she admitted, stopping and nervously adjusting her uniform. “He’s still with the investors in the hall. I simply thought you might need… an exit.”

I looked at her in surprise. Her usually impassive face carried a faint trace of concern.

“Carmen, that was…” For a moment, I couldn’t find the words. “Very thoughtful of you.”

“I’ve worked in this house for thirty years, madam.” She straightened her posture, as though justifying her actions. “I know when a guest is being… inappropriate.”

I smiled, genuinely touched.

“Mr. Anthony has always been that way. Since he was young.” She glanced around, as if to make sure we were truly alone, then added in a low voice, “You didn’t hear this from me, but you’d best be careful. He’s always coveted everything that belongs to Mr. Christian. And I don’t just mean the inheritance.”