The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 218

Winona was stunned on the other end of the line.

After a long pause, her voice came through, quiet but firm. "Please tell Mr. Nicholson that I don't want his money. Not his personal fortune, not his shares in the Nicholson Group—none of it."

The legal counsel nearly dropped his phone in shock. "B-but… why? We're talking about billions here!"

"I don't want anything to do with Julian. Not now, not ever."

"…"

An unexpected sense of respect welled up in the lawyer's chest.

Only now did he realize that Mr. Nicholson's ex-wife wasn't just a footnote in someone else's story. She was flesh and blood—a woman of real pride and backbone.

No wonder Mr. Nicholson still cared about her.

"Miss Perkins, please, could you come to the office? I'm just doing my job here. If you don't show up, I won't be able to explain myself to Mr. Nicholson." He knew if he failed to get Winona to come, he'd be the one answering for it.

And he understood now why Mr. Nicholson hadn't called Winona himself.

Because if he did, she'd never agree to come.

Winona sighed. "I'll make time."

Only then did the lawyer relax. "Thank you, Miss—"

But Winona had already hung up.

At that moment, she was still at the construction site, overseeing the project.

The work was moving fast.

In just a few days, the foundation had been dug, and they were already laying steel and pouring concrete.

Felicity was on site, barking orders and looking very much in her element.

But after watching Winona take the lawyer's call and then agree, however reluctantly, to visit the Nicholson Group, Felicity's focus unraveled.

She shot daggers at Winona, her eyes burning with jealousy and resentment.

Anxiety twisted in her gut.

Felicity didn't need money.

"What's the occasion, Miss Shepherd? Don't tell me today's your engagement to Mr. Nicholson!"

"You look so happy—are you and Mr. Nicholson headed off on a honeymoon?"

Felicity basked in their attention. She thrived on being at the center of this world, adored by the Nicholson Group staff. It made her feel as if she already was Mrs. Nicholson.

With a dazzling smile, she looked over her admirers. "I just solved another big technical problem at the construction site! I'm here to brag to Mr. Nicholson—I want him to take me out to dinner, buy me that limited-edition purse I've been eyeing, and maybe even take me to the movies tonight. What do you think—will he say yes?"

"Of course! Mr. Nicholson would do anything for you. You're his favorite, after all."

"Everyone knows he's been head over heels for you for years—he's just waiting for you to say yes."

"Miss Shepherd, can we interview you? When will you finally accept his proposal?"

The group was laughing and gossiping around Felicity when Winona arrived.

Felicity turned, feigning surprise and indignation. "What are you doing here? Who said you could come?"

"I did." Julian had just stepped out of his office. He glanced at Felicity, his voice cold and clear.