The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 11

Winona's voice was clear and steady. "Mr. Nicholson, if you're truly worried about your nephew's life, you should focus on finding someone with the same blood type as his, instead of wasting your time on me. And one more thing—please, tell your family to stay away from me and my friend. Is that too much to ask?"

There was no hint of spite or pettiness in her tone. Instead, it was the kind of restrained impatience that comes from being exceptionally well-mannered.

Julian suddenly felt the full weight of Winona's cold detachment.

It hit him, just for a moment.

But then, he scoffed at the idea. How could Winona ever truly turn her back on him? This was just another one of her push-and-pull games, wasn't it? Did she really think that would work on him?

He almost laughed out loud. She really did overestimate her own cleverness.

"What's wrong, Julian? Did Winona hang up on you again?" Shera hurried over, her voice tight with worry.

Julian didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked straight to the hospital director's office.

Julian would never rest his nephew's hopes entirely on Winona, not when she was blatantly attempting to use the child against him. He reserved his deepest contempt for anyone who tried to leverage the people he loved.

Watching her brother disappear into the office, Shera grew even more anxious. She pulled out her phone and, with a furious jab, dialed Winona's number.

But on Winona's end, her phone was already switched off. She was determined not to let the Nicholsons disturb her any longer.

Meanwhile, in the sunlit living room, Mia was feeding Zane bites of food, watching Winona with a grin. "Nona, look at you! You finally learned how to say no to the Nicholsons—and so cleanly, too! It's like you never even knew that jerk Julian."

Winona shot her a look. "Ms. Summers, could you please mind your language? I don't want you corrupting my son."

Winona had thought about telling Julian the truth. But every time she tried to bring it up, she'd imagine him still looking at her with that same cold disgust, and the idea of humiliating herself even further made her stop.

If someone doesn't love you, it's never for lack of reason.

So, she decided to keep her last shred of pride.

She refused to become the pitiful woman groveling for love, only to be trampled under Julian's feet.

"I admit it," Winona said, a wry, self-deprecating smile touching her lips. "Falling for him was my own foolishness. It has nothing to do with him." She picked up her glass of fruit wine and downed it in one go.

Then she shot Mia a wry look and added, "And don't worry about starving, okay? Even if I've left Julian, as long as you—my dear bargain sister—and our sweet old grandma don't stir up trouble, I promise the three of you freeloaders—yes, you, grandma, and Zane—will never have to worry about your quality of life."