The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 196

Then she lifted her foot and kicked Xander's car.

Xander looked mortified.

Winona stepped up to the driver's door. "I'm sorry, Mr. McCarthy. The way you all cornered me the other day—Mia knows about it."

"Your family is wonderful. There may not be any blood ties between you, but there's so much warmth and love. I really envy that. Get some rest. I'll be on my way." With that, Xander started the engine.

As the car turned the corner, he glanced back at Mia. Usually so composed, Xander couldn't resist teasing her. "See you around, firecracker."

Mia was stunned. "…"

"He just called me 'firecracker'! Who does he think he is? What gives him the right…"

"He's handsome, over six feet tall, thirty-two years old, one of the top surgeons in the country, and makes a seven-figure salary…" Winona hadn't even finished listing his credentials before Mia let out a shriek.

"What's his name? I'm gonna sleep with him! I have to—just to piss off that witch Felicity!"

Winona gaped. "Wait, do you want to sleep with Julian's dad, or Felicity's hot neighbor?"

"Why not both? I'll have my cake and eat it too!"

Winona was speechless.

She looked down at Zane. "Take Aunt Mia home, will you? Don't let her embarrass herself out here."

Like a determined little bull, Zane summoned all his strength and started dragging Aunt Mia back toward the house.

Helga watched Winona with concern. "Sweetheart, are you feeling all right? You look exhausted."

"Grandma, I really am so tired today. Let's hurry home and eat dinner. After that, I just want to sleep," Winona said, snuggling up to her grandmother's arm.

Watching Mia, Zane, and her grandma together, something clicked in Winona's heart.

She might not have a powerful circle of friends like Felicity, but she had a grandma and Mia who would fight tooth and nail to protect her.

And her sweet little boy, Zane.

Besides, Wesley, Yves Prescott, and Mr. Shaw had all been helping her too.

"It's fine! Whatever comes my way, I'll handle it. I'm not afraid, Mr. Shaw!" Winona tilted her chin up and flashed Zachary a bright smile.

Zachary sighed.

Poor kid, he thought to himself.

When they arrived at the site, they got out of the car and walked side by side toward the temporary office, deep in conversation.

But just a few steps from the door, both of them stumbled over something on the ground.

Zachary went down instantly.

Winona reached out to catch him, but missed—and lost her own balance, tumbling forward.

She braced herself for a hard fall, sure she'd skin her knees and elbows.

Instead, she crashed into a broad, solid chest.

Strong arms caught her and pulled her close. Julian's deep, smooth voice rumbled above her head, gentle and warm: "Careful there. What's gotten into you?"