The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 174

But it wasn't as if they could just abandon the Shepherds without reason.

Felicity turned to Julian. "Julian, let's head inside too. We can't skip a meal just because Winona's here, can we?"

She shot a glance at Old Mrs. Shepherd. "Grandma, you really need to let go of that old debutante attitude. We're in a public place—if you can come here to eat, so can anyone else. Why accuse people of following you or trying to make trouble? That's just not fair!"

"Felly!" Henrietta immediately scolded her. "Is that any way to speak to your grandmother? If those people hadn't ruined her birthday banquet last time, would she be saying this now?"

Felicity fell silent.

She looked at Julian. "Julian, you can't blame Grandma entirely for this. Anyone would be upset after the scene they caused at her birthday."

"Let's just go in. It's only dinner," Julian replied.

"Alright."

Felicity and Julian, along with Tiana, Teague, Henrietta, Old Mr. Shepherd, and Old Mrs. Shepherd, all made their way into the restaurant.

Inside, they realized their reserved table was right next to Winona's.

What a coincidence.

Winona didn't seem bothered in the slightest. She acted as if the people at the next table didn't even exist.

But Mrs. Perkins kept glancing over at them. Each time she did, her eyes grew redder, and she muttered under her breath, "They're supposed to be my granddaughter and great-granddaughter-in-law, yet now they're standing with my enemy."

Across the way, Old Mrs. Shepherd stared back just as often. Seeing Mrs. Perkins looking so pitiful only made her feel even more superior.

At last, the eighteenth time Mrs. Perkins looked her way, Old Mrs. Shepherd couldn't resist flaunting her triumph.

Instead, she turned to Felicity and Julian. "Felly, Julian, where is the crucifix? Fetch it for me, so your grandfather and I can present it to Mrs. Perkins in our names."

"Julian!" At that moment, both Winona and Mrs. Perkins called out in desperation.

The sound brought Julian to his feet.

Old Mrs. Shepherd smiled at him, brimming with pride. "What a wonderful grandson-in-law you are, Julian. You make us proud—"

"I'm sorry, Old Mrs. Shepherd," Julian interrupted, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "I can't give you the crucifix."

She stared at him, taken aback. "What did you say?"

Julian's answer was clear and resolute. "That crucifix belongs to Grandma Perkins. I intend to return it to her myself, in Winona's name."