The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 180

Both Helga and Mia immediately fell silent.

They'd both seen firsthand just how badly Tiana had set up Winona before.

"Go on back, Tiana. Your dad and mom are waiting for you in the restaurant. You've been gone too long—they'll get suspicious." Even though Winona knew Tiana didn't truly care about her, she still found herself worrying over the girl.

This time, Tiana actually listened. "I know, Mom. I'll head back now."

She turned and ran off, but after just a few steps, she paused and glanced back at Winona. Winona was still standing there, watching her.

Tiana's eyes brimmed red with tears.

She swallowed them down, forcing herself to look calm, then hurried back to Julian and Felicity.

"Miss Felly, can I feed you some of my steak?" Tiana clung to Felicity more than ever.

Felicity, who'd been brooding over how Julian had hurt her feelings, couldn't help but soften at the sight of Tiana—her ever-faithful little fan. "You really do love me most, don't you, Tiana?"

"Miss Felly, can you come live at my house? I miss you so much! I want you and Dad to always stay with me." Tiana gazed up at Felicity, absolutely adoring.

Felicity glanced over at Julian.

Julian's face was cold and impassive.

His frosty demeanor was obvious to everyone at the Shepherd table.

Even Old Mrs. Shepherd, usually as proud as a peacock, dared not make a scene. She sat there, silent and subdued.

Old Mr. Shepherd didn't say a word, either.

Somehow, the longer he sat beside his wife of fifty years, the more he couldn't stand her.

He even found himself resenting his own granddaughter, Felicity.

Strangely enough, it was Winona who seemed easier on his eyes now.

After all, he'd watched Winona grow up from the time she was a toddler.

While Old Mrs. Shepherd stewed in embarrassment and Old Mr. Shepherd lapsed into silence, Teague and Henrietta were seething with anger and resentment.

Back home, the moment the door closed behind them, Teague and Henrietta rounded on Winona, spewing venom.

"If I'd known she'd turn out like this, I'd have smothered her at birth!" Teague spat.

"That little witch—why couldn't she just die! I swear, I'll find someone to ruin her! If I don't, Felly's happiness will be destroyed by her!" Henrietta screeched.

"Can you both just shut up already? You're driving me crazy!" Felicity snapped, exasperated by her parents' pointless ranting.

She stormed off to her room, slammed the door, and grabbed her phone to call Xander.

Of all her friends, Xander was the most ruthless—the one who always had her back.

She needed him to come up with a plan, something to finally get rid of Winona for good.

The phone rang for ages before Xander finally picked up. His voice was cool and distant. "It's late. What do you want?"