The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 221

Frank's grip was so tight that Winona's arm throbbed with pain.

"Let go of me," she said evenly, her tone steady as she looked Frank in the eye.

Frank glared back. "Women like you—what else can you do but throw yourself at men? First, you went after Mr. Prescott. Then, you didn't even spare Mr. Shaw, and he's old enough to be your father! You're always causing trouble at the construction site, and now you've got your claws into Mr. Nicholson—right here at his own company!"

As soon as Frank's voice echoed through the lobby, curious staff from the Nicholson Group began drifting over, eager for a show.

Winona's face drained of color. "Mr. Frank, don't slander me! Have you ever actually seen me seduce any man? Have you ever caught me in bed with anyone? If not, keep your accusations to yourself."

Frank let out a bitter laugh. "You've got some nerve! How many men have you slept with, huh? You want a witness for every one?"

Winona couldn't find words—her lips pressed into a hard line.

Around them, a crowd of employees burst into laughter, some whispering behind their hands.

"Her private life's a mess," one murmured. "She's been Yves Prescott's mistress, and now she's setting her sights on our Mr. Nicholson? What does she have against Miss Shepherd?"

"Please," another scoffed, "like she could ever compete with Miss Shepherd. Mr. Nicholson is totally devoted to her—everyone knows he's head over heels for Miss Shepherd."

"Men can change, though," someone else chimed in. "I just saw Mr. Nicholson personally escorting this woman to his office."

"Oh my God—what's going to happen to Miss Shepherd? I'm a diehard fan of her and Mr. Nicholson. They've been perfect for each other since day one—like a match made in heaven," another said, wringing her hands.

"Too bad this tramp's trying to ruin everything."

"Good thing Miss Shepherd has Mr. Frank on her side!"

"No matter what, good always triumphs over evil," a woman declared. "Even if Mr. Nicholson's momentarily blinded, he'll see through her soon enough. The only woman he truly loves is Miss Shepherd."

She knew Julian was about to declare, in front of everyone, that she was his wife.

Winona refused to accept that—she didn't want to be claimed like some charity case, not here, not now, not when everyone saw her as nothing but a homewrecker.

How ridiculous was it that not a single person in the Nicholson Group recognized her as Julian's wife? To them, Felicity was the real deal, while Winona was just an intruder. What a cruel joke.

To be Mrs. Nicholson, and end up like this—was there any greater failure?

She would rather die than hear Julian introduce her now as his wife, not when she was already planning to file for divorce in three days. She'd demanded it. She'd taken him to court. At least she could salvage a shred of dignity.

"Please, Mr. Nicholson," Winona's voice trembled, "let me keep the last bit of self-respect I have. Don't humiliate me in front of your staff."

Then she turned to Frank, meeting his eyes. "Mr. Frank, if you believe I've ruined your niece's happiness, you're welcome to report me to the police. But let go of me now. If you don't, I'll call the police myself. Is that what you want?"