The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 18

Her eyes moved to the sofa, where Julian and Felicity sat together. Both wore the same mask of distant unconcern, as if it were all someone else’s drama.

"To say something like 'rabid dog' at an event like this…" Winona began, her lips curved into a smile, her tone almost playful as she addressed Felicity. "You must spend a lot of time with rabid dogs yourself, huh? You're so fresh-faced, so sincere—honestly, you're kind of adorable. But I have other things to take care of, so I'll leave you to your fun."

With that, she gave Felicity a small smile, picked up her wine glass, and walked away.

She had no intention of getting into a fight with this insufferably arrogant girl—not here, not now. It wouldn't do her any good, and if anything, it would just play right into the girl's hands.

Felicity looked utterly baffled as Winona left. She plopped back onto the sofa, still dazed. "Did she just… compliment me instead of arguing? What's wrong with her?"

Claud chuckled. "Hattie, you called her a gold-digger. If that's what she's here for, do you really think she'd get into a public fight with you? That'd ruin her chances."

Hattie Warren pouted, sounding bored. "Ugh, I was hoping to get a rise out of her. Thought she'd go full mother hen, feathers ruffled and all. Lame!"

Winona hadn't gone far; she overheard everything Hattie and Claud said.

She felt a wave of bitterness wash over her. At such an important business function, Julian had brought Felicity as his date instead of her, his actual wife. And now she was being treated as Hattie's plaything, a target for the spoiled girl's amusement.

Her eyes stung with tears that threatened to fall.

She refused to let them.

She had no one to rely on. Julian certainly wouldn't help her. If she wanted to protect herself, to protect Mia, Zane, and her grandmother, she had to become strong on her own.

Winona found an empty sofa in a quiet corner. She sat down and began sipping her wine, alone. She scanned the crowd, searching for any of the investors Wesley had mentioned.

"Excuse me, may I sit here?" A well-dressed stranger stood across from her, already half-seated.

"Go ahead," Winona replied.

"Are you here tonight looking for investors?" the man asked, testing the waters.

Hattie blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

But Winona was already gone.

This might have been a swanky party, but the undercurrents here ran deep. It would be wise to keep her distance.

By the time Hattie realized what had happened, Winona had already left the building.

The party carried on until nearly eleven. As the evening wound down, Julian and Felicity emerged from the club with their friends and made their way to the parking lot.

While the others exchanged goodbyes, Julian spotted Winona standing by his car.

"I've been waiting for you," Winona said quietly, her voice calm and steady. "We need to talk."