The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 146

Because Tiana realized—her mother didn't seem like her mother anymore.

Her mother was stunning, poised and elegant, like a woman straight out of a Hollywood movie.

She was even more beautiful than Miss Felly, Tiana's favorite teacher; in fact, Tiana had never seen anyone quite like her mother, and that filled her with a strange sense of pride.

But, for the first time, she also felt a flicker of fear.

Tiana wanted nothing more than to run into her mother's arms.

But the way her mother looked at her—coldly, as if she were a stranger—froze her in place.

She didn't dare call out, "Mom."

Winona truly didn't see Tiana at all, acting as though her own daughter simply didn't exist.

Her gaze remained severe as she turned to Julian. "Mr. Nicholson, it was you who told me we'd finalize the divorce at city hall this afternoon. You were the one who left me standing at the steps, waiting alone until now. You broke your promise, Mr. Nicholson!"

Julian didn't answer her.

Instead, his expression twisted with conflicting emotions as he finally looked at her. "You're actually suing me? You want a divorce?"

Gideon, who had been standing quietly nearby, was taken aback by what he overheard.

Then, unexpectedly, a wave of satisfaction washed over him.

He had to admit—it felt good. Earlier, he'd wondered if the court summons Julian received was really a divorce petition from his wife. If that were true, it would be the ultimate slap in the face.

And now, it was.

Mrs. Nicholson was really divorcing Mr. Nicholson?

The paperwork had already been served, which meant the two-month waiting period was over. That meant she'd filed for divorce even before Julian brought it up.

Over a month ago, when Mrs. Nicholson came to the office to see Julian, she must have been trying to discuss the divorce, but he refused to even meet with her.

Unbelievable.

Gideon found himself in complete agreement with Sue, the housekeeper:

The Nicholson family had gone way too far.

She wanted the whole city to know, for the trial to be public, broadcast for everyone to see.

She would not back down.

The only reason she'd agreed to go to city hall with Julian that afternoon was in the hope that they could part peacefully, but he'd left her waiting, then demanded she stay put until he returned.

Who did he think he was?

What gave Julian the right?

She had stopped loving him long ago.

Just seeing him now made her sick.

She wouldn't give him an inch.

Winona strode out of the room without a backward glance, when behind her came the small, trembling voice of a child, soft as a whisper: "Mom…"

Winona didn't look back. Her voice was raw and hollow as she replied, "I stopped being your mother a long time ago. Your mother is Felicity now."