The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 136

That night, Winona sat alone in her bedroom and cried for a long time.

No one could possibly understand the storm of emotions inside her.

She didn't love Julian anymore.

It had been two months since she'd asked him for a divorce, yet Julian acted as if she were the one clinging desperately to him.

Six years of marriage—surely she'd earned at least a little credit in the Nicholson family, if not for her achievements, then at least for all she'd endured.

But did Julian really have to treat her like this?

***

The next morning, Winona stood in front of her wardrobe for a long time.

In the end, she chose a strikingly luxurious, ever-so-slightly provocative fur coat, pairing it with form-fitting jeans and knee-high boots that made her long legs look absolutely endless.

The fur draped over her shoulders gave her an air of effortless wealth, laced with just a hint of playful charm.

Dressed to the nines, she stared at her reflection and muttered, "Yves Prescott, once this project is secured, I won't say another word to you."

When Yves Prescott arrived to pick her up, he was visibly stunned by her appearance.

He couldn't help but notice—Winona always managed to surprise him.

Once, he'd been amazed by how stubbornly she clung to Julian.

Later, she'd startled him with how heartbreakingly haggard she looked, like a ghost haunting her own life.

But now, every time he saw her, she seemed even more beautiful than the last.

Sometimes, Yves found himself inwardly mocking Julian.

What an idiot.

He had a wife who was both brilliant and beautiful, yet he tossed her aside for someone like Felicity—a woman all shine and no substance.

But none of that mattered, because Winona loved Julian, not him.

"Get in," Yves barked, his tone as icy and intimidating as ever, daring anyone to cross him.

There just wasn't enough profit in the retirement home project to justify a bidding war like this. Yves was a wild card, always playing by his own rules—and it was obvious he was only here to foil Julian.

Julian couldn't let himself be baited any longer.

As he conceded, he shot Winona a cold, hard look. Throughout the auction, Yves had been consulting with her on every move.

And every time they spoke, Yves raised the price again.

Julian could only watch helplessly as Yves won the land. He was angrier than he'd ever been in his life. And then, to rub salt in the wound, Yves swaggered over to him, grinning with malicious satisfaction.

"Congratulate me, Mr. Nicholson!" Yves taunted, his smile sharp as a blade.

"My plan for this land is to build a retirement community—to benefit seniors all across the country. Tell me, Mr. Prescott, are you really going to use it for a retirement project?" Julian's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Yves leaned in, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Of course I am. And I'll make sure my project outshines yours. I won't just beat you—I'll…"

He dropped his voice, whispering right in Julian's ear, a sly grin on his lips. "I once saved Winona's family from ruin. She promised she'd beat you. If she loses… I think I'll send her to my private estate—the one where men go to play. I'll make sure everyone knows she's your wife…"

With a roar, Julian's fist lashed out, smashing into Yves Prescott's face.