The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 110

Zane had no idea what was really going on.

All she knew was that Great-Grandma and Aunt Mia were supposed to apologize to her mom, Mom was upset and wanted to scold them both, and Zane didn't want to see Mom unhappy—so she apologized instead.

"Zane, you didn't do anything wrong, so you don't have to apologize, okay sweetheart? Only people who make mistakes need to say sorry. If you didn't do anything wrong, never apologize—do you understand what Mommy's telling you?" Winona coached her gently, her patience unwavering.

"I got it!" Zane replied, bright as ever.

"Go to your room and check out that mythology book I got you. Mommy needs to talk to Great-Grandma and Aunt Mia, and little kids aren't supposed to eavesdrop on grown-up conversations, remember?" Winona coaxed her, shepherding Zane off to the playroom.

Now the living room was down to just three: Helga Perkins and Mia, both of their legs trembling.

"Winona, please don't be mad at Grandma. Blame me instead. If it'll make you feel better, you can twist my ear off..." Mia angled her head, revealing her ear for Winona to grab, her voice shaky.

Helga stepped forward, defensive. Her cloudy eyes fixed on Winona. "Winona, I've packed my bags. I'll leave right now if you want. If you don't want me in the city, I won't come back. But maybe when I dig up some sweet potatoes tomorrow, I'll have Mia bring you some. Just don't blame Mia, blame me."

A sharp, humorless laugh slipped from Winona's lips.

And then another. And another.

Usually, these two would be at each other's throats the second they met; if she wasn't always stepping in to play peacemaker, they'd have probably fought a thousand times by now. But today, unbelievably, they'd joined forces—against her.

"Winona, Grandma's old, but I'm not stupid. Last time, when you visited and didn't bring my great-granddaughter, I knew something was up. After you left, I called her, but she wouldn't pick up. Then a few days ago, Zane phoned and told me you'd moved out of the Nicholson house. That's when I really started to worry. I came to the city just to check if you were really okay."

"Winona, you're not mad at me? You're not going to twist my ear?" Mia asked hesitantly.

"Winona, you're not angry? You're not kicking me out?" Helga chimed in, barely able to contain her hope. She didn't want to leave—the city was fun, and Mia dressed her up so nicely every day.

"Go wash your hands and get Zane. I got takeout from the bistro upstairs—there's crab, roast chicken, fish, and some creamy seafood chowder."

The second Mia heard there was that much delicious food, her mouth started watering.

Even as she swallowed, she couldn't help but ask, "Winona, after all the trouble we made at the party last night, you're not mad? You even brought us good food... why?"

"Because I owe you," Winona said through clenched teeth.