The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 144

The judge told him, "The divorce agreement Miss Perkins filed with the court was meant to protect her in case she changed her mind. She wanted a mutual separation, but she tried several times to see you and ask if you'd signed the papers. Each time, you made excuses and refused to meet her. Now the legal proceedings have begun. If you want to settle this out of court, Mr. Nicholson, Miss Perkins has to withdraw the case herself."

The judge's words echoed in Julian's mind.

She filed for divorce to keep herself from second-guessing her decision.

Two months ago, she'd already made up her mind—clear, firm, and determined to end the marriage.

But he'd convinced himself she was just playing games, trying to get his attention.

He thought she was using Victor's illness to manipulate him.

But the truth was, she really wanted out.

She never tried to blackmail him, never played hard to get, never clung to him.

All she did was ask him, over and over, "When will you sign the divorce agreement?"

And yet, he stubbornly, arrogantly believed she was trying to entangle him.

He still remembered that first day she left home—she handed him the divorce papers herself and said, "To avoid any unexpected situations where you might not receive these, I'm giving them to you in person. I hope you'll sign them soon."

He hadn't even bothered to read the agreement. He'd fed it straight into the shredder.

She really wanted the divorce.

It was real. It was all real.

Julian felt as if lightning had struck straight through his heart.

His mind went blank, ringing with the weight of the truth.

He couldn't muster a single word.

Still, he left the judge's office and went to the security desk. Sure enough, there was Gideon, the housekeeper Sue, and Tiana.

Tiana's eyes were red and puffy from crying.

The moment she saw Julian, she ran straight to him, her small arms flinging around his waist. "Daddy, I want Mommy. Did you find her? Did you ask her if she still wants me?"

Julian didn't answer.

Instead, he scooped Tiana into his arms and turned to Sue, the housekeeper, his voice hard. "How could you let the child come here? Why would you bring her to my office?"

Sue stood her ground, her tone steely. "Mr. Nicholson, I'm sorry, but I quit. I can't work here anymore. I've never seen a house where the staff feels entitled to insult the lady of the house. There's only one reason for that—the man of the house doesn't respect his wife, so the staff thinks it's okay to bully her. But if you don't respect your wife, why ask her to come back and manage your home? I can't stand such a toxic, disgusting environment. I'm leaving Tiana with you. Goodbye."

With that, Sue grabbed her suitcase and turned to leave—only to find herself face-to-face with Winona, just stepping out of her car.

Sue's tone softened, full of respect and concern. "Ma'am… What are you doing here?"