The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 103

Winona got home at half past ten that night.

She paused outside her apartment door, taking a long moment to compose herself. It was late—neighbors on all sides, after all. She told herself she couldn't afford to lose her temper.

Especially not with Zane.

He was barely six. What could he possibly know?

This was all the work of those two troublemakers.

If anyone deserved her wrath, it was them.

The moment she walked in, she gritted her teeth and growled under her breath, "Helga Perkins, Mia! I swear, I'm done with both of you! Pack your bags and get out tonight. From now on, we're strangers—never speak to me again… Where—where is everyone?"

The living room was pitch black.

She'd just been with Yves Prescott, cornering Zachary.

Had it really been less than an hour ago? And now… everyone was asleep?

After the humiliating mess at the party!

After nearly being run into the ground by Julian!

She'd never planned to cross paths with Yves Prescott, but now she had no choice but to work with him.

And after all of that, the three main culprits were actually peacefully asleep in their beds!

Fuming, Winona stormed into the kids' room. Helga Perkins was curled up on the very edge of the bed, holding onto Zane's little feet as if terrified he might fall off. The kid sprawled out, arms and legs everywhere, sleeping as soundly as if nothing in the world could disturb him.

Winona turned and marched over to Mia's room. Mia was bundled up under her comforter, every inch of her body tucked away, but Winona could see the unmistakable shiver of someone hiding—and failing.

Winona stood there for a beat, then quietly closed the door. She brushed her teeth, washed up, and finally collapsed into bed.

She hadn't expected that, after bottling up so much anger, she'd fall asleep almost instantly. But she was exhausted, and sleep took her before she could think another thought.

The next morning.

Seven o'clock.

Winona woke up right on time, already plotting the verbal smackdown she was about to deliver to Helga and Mia.

But when she stepped out of her bedroom, the apartment was silent.

By ten that morning, Winona was in her office, sitting across from three investors: Wesley, Yves Prescott, and Zachary.

Wesley's face was a mix of relief, surprise, and curiosity when he saw Yves and Zachary together.

"Nona, did you really manage to get Mr. Shaw on board?" Wesley asked, incredulous.

He'd tried meeting with Zachary himself before, and Zachary had flat-out refused.

Wesley looked over at Yves Prescott. "And I thought you never wanted anything to do with CEO Prescott…"

Winona gave a wry, resigned smile. "Let it go, Wesley. Some things are just meant to be."

Wesley shook hands with Yves and Zachary, and after reviewing the contract together, everyone signed on the dotted line.

As soon as the ink was dry, the first installment of funding from Yves and Zachary hit Winona's account.

Seeing those numbers, she felt a confusing mix of triumph, relief, and anxiety.

After Yves Prescott and Zachary left, Wesley finally found a quiet moment to ask, "Nona, how are you holding up? I was really worried about you last night."

"I'm fine. Still alive," she replied, keeping her tone light. Wesley had already done so much for her—she didn't want to drag him into her private humiliations, too.