The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 233

Claud shifted awkwardly, glancing at Winona. "Nona, I wasn't sure how to get in touch with you, but Julian asked me to take care of this for him…"

Before he could finish, Mia—dressed in her brand new outfit, radiating self-assurance—strode straight up to Winona and flashed Claud a dazzling, mischievous smile. "Let me guess," she said, "that jerk Julian put you up to this, didn't he? He knows his big sister-in-law's still single, so he's sent you to woo me, right?"

Claud, it had to be said, was quite the sight. At six-foot-two, he stood even taller than Xander and was about the same height as Julian. Four years younger than Julian and the youngest of the Gallagher boys, he had a fresh-faced, almost boyish look about him.

Next to Mia, a confident thirty-four-year-old woman, Claud seemed almost like a puppy—adorably green, innocent, and completely out of his league.

Only moments before, Mia had been on edge, convinced someone was following her, her nerves wound tight. But the instant she saw Claud's striking face, every trace of fear vanished. Even her resentment toward him melted away.

She very nearly started drooling, staring at him with open, giddy admiration.

Behind her, Winona wanted nothing more than to disappear into the nearest floor tile. Especially since the guy they were embarrassing themselves in front of was Julian's friend—could it get any worse?

"Mia! Could you please show a little dignity? A little self-respect?" Winona hissed from behind, her voice low and urgent, meant for Mia's ears only.

Mia, in a hurry to clear Claud's name, shot back, "Your divorce from that jerk Julian is your business. His friends are innocent bystanders, okay?"

Winona glared. "Didn't you say you wanted to sleep with Julian's dad? And Xander too? Honestly, Mia, how many men are you planning to seduce?"

Mia tossed her hair and grinned. "Why not collect the whole set? There's still time!"

Winona was so mortified she could have sunk right through the floor.

While they bickered, Claud finally stepped up to Winona. The look Mia gave him made him distinctly uncomfortable; he wanted to bolt, but he also knew he owed Winona an apology.

That was the real reason he'd agreed to Julian's request to deliver the family's heirloom crucifix. More than anything, he wanted to say sorry.

For years, Claud—just like Julian—had never once treated Winona with an ounce of kindness. The only time she'd ever called him, desperate and humiliated, he'd shot her down without mercy. Worse, he'd even conspired with Felicity's friends to ruin her life.

She never wanted to see Claud or Mayo again as long as she lived.

Mia blinked. "Wait, what?"

Claud, looking lost, tried again. "Nona…"

"Don't call me that," Winona snapped, her voice sharp with disgust. "And don't ever show your face to me again."

She felt sick just looking at him.

Taking Zane's hand, she turned to Mia and Helga. "Let's go home."