The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 140

"I never asked to be born into this world, and I never chose to be switched at birth. But at sixteen, I lost the only parents who ever truly loved me."

"I went to find my biological parents, but they refused to acknowledge me."

"I wasn't as lucky as Felicity, who was cherished by her real family. From the age of sixteen, I was forced to become a stray dog, wandering from place to place."

"But even that's not enough. Because I stole sixteen years of Felicity's good life, I'll spend the rest of my days as an outsider, and it still won't make up for what I supposedly owe her. So now, everyone around her treats me like I'm some kind of criminal—like I owe her a debt that can never be paid."

"That includes my husband—or rather, the man who used to be my husband. After today, he'll be hers."

"If I'm not mistaken, in a few minutes Felicity and Julian will walk into city hall together. Julian will sign the divorce papers with me, and then, barely a breath later, the two of them will get their marriage license."

Yves Prescott was silent.

He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms, to offer some warmth and comfort. But for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to overstep that boundary.

All he could do was speak in a low, steady voice, like a trusted old friend. "Winona, things will get better. You have to believe that—believe in me, but more importantly, believe in yourself."

Winona gave him a faint smile and fell silent.

Right then, the car pulled up in front of city hall.

And, as if on cue, Julian arrived at the same time.

He was in such a hurry to finalize their divorce that he'd shown up early. Just as Winona had predicted, Felicity was with him.

Clearly, their plan was to complete the divorce and get married on the very same day.

Yves Prescott didn't get out of the car after dropping Winona off.

But Julian and Felicity both noticed the silver Rolls-Royce parked outside.

Maybe Felicity already saw herself as Mrs. Nicholson by this afternoon, because her tone made it sound like she had already taken the title for herself.

"Julian!" Winona's voice was suddenly sharp, trembling with anger. "Let's not forget, we're still married. By law, I'm entitled to half of everything you own. So don't talk to me about legal consequences. Even if I spent every last cent of your half, it would be within my rights. And you're threatening me with the law?"

Julian said nothing.

Winona's laugh was bitter. "Besides, in the six years I spent in the Nicholson family, did you ever give me so much as pocket money? Did your precious family ever give me a single allowance? Not a penny."

Julian looked stunned. "What are you saying? Yates—never gave you an allowance?"

Before Winona could answer, Julian's phone rang.

He answered, voice curt. "What is it?"

"Mr. Nicholson, you need to come back at once. There are people from the court waiting at your office—they say it's urgent!" Gideon's voice was tense on the other end.

Julian froze, all color draining from his face. "The court is looking for me?"