The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 10

But how could a rich family ever accept someone like Mia—a rough-edged Cinderella who lacked their polish and poise?

That year, Winona's parents sent her older brother overseas.

Mia cried at their front gate for days. The house staff would laugh, calling her a lovesick fool, but only Winona felt sorry for Mia. She would sneak out to hand Mia tissues for her tears, slipping her little snacks, dolls, and stuffed animals, and even pressing pocket money into Mia's hands when no one was looking.

After a while, Mia stopped pining for Winona's brother. Instead, she came to treat Winona like her own little sister.

Mia witnessed Winona's life of privilege as the beloved heiress, indulged by everyone until she turned sixteen. Then, in a brutal reversal, she saw her thrown out by the family and abandoned to the streets. In the darkest days that followed, it was Mia's small income that kept food in Winona's mouth.

As soon as Winona answered Mia's call, she asked, "Mia, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"Come on, I'm in my thirties now! I know how to act my age. I'll do my best to keep my messes to myself from now on, okay? But get this—your rich husband called me today! Looks like I'm finally being recognized as family!" Mia's voice was a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Winona fell silent. She'd forgotten Julian had Mia's number.

If the Nicholsons couldn't reach her, of course they'd go bother Mia.

A pang of guilt twisted in Winona's chest.

"Your dear husband never even let you mention you were married to him before. Why would he suddenly call me now? What, does he want to invite his darling sister-in-law over to the Nicholson mansion for tea—?"

"His nephew needs a blood transfusion. And he wants me to give a whole liter, all at once."

"Wait, what? Are you kidding me? That son of a—! I swear, I'd wring his father's neck!" Mia's temper was legendary. She led with her heart and spoke without a second thought, always ready to defend those she cared about with unapologetic fierceness.

Her former coworkers used to joke: "She's over thirty, but she's got less cunning than a preschooler."

Winona, who'd been feeling miserable all day, actually laughed at Mia's outburst.

"Are you going to do it?" Mia asked.

Winona understood—Mia just wanted to cheer her up. She managed a small smile and replied, "We'll see you soon."

After hanging up, she dressed Zane in his coolest new shirt, took his hand, and headed out.

An hour later, Winona and Zane arrived at a bustling play café, where Mia was already waiting for them.

They ordered food and barely had time to settle in when Mia's phone started ringing again.

She glanced at the screen—the Nicholsons, again.

Mia was about to answer, but Winona stopped her.

Without a word, she declined the call, then took out her own phone and dialed Julian.

On the other end, Julian answered in a voice as cold as ice: "You have two hours. Be here to give Victor blood."