The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 239

The moment Julian heard the news, he shot up from his seat and strode swiftly out of the courtroom.

Outside, the entire Nicholson family had just arrived with Felicity in tow.

"What's going on, Julian? Where's Winona?" his mother, Janetta, called out in concern.

"She's not here!" Julian tossed over his shoulder, barely slowing his pace as he headed for the exit.

Just yesterday, his son had told her that Winona had filed for divorce and the hearing was scheduled for today.

What's more, the proceedings would be recorded and made public. When they first heard, the whole Nicholson family was so stunned that they forgot all about dinner.

"What is this woman up to now?" Janetta had fumed to Julian at the time, her voice bristling with indignation. "We've spoiled her for too long, and now she wants to file for divorce? She must be after the family's money!"

But now, when it came time for court, Winona hadn't even shown up?

Shera, standing nearby, let out a contemptuous laugh. "Didn't I say? There's no way she'd really go through with divorcing into the Nicholson family. She raised a fuss, went as far as filing the suit—I almost thought she had some backbone. But when it's time to show up, she just disappears! Julian, you can't let her off the hook. You need to go through with the divorce!"

Felicity, too, gave a derisive snort.

So, after all this, Winona still didn't want the divorce?

"Julian, where are you going?" Janetta called after him.

"To the police station," he replied, and without another word, hurried toward the parking lot.

He climbed into the car, and the driver sped toward the nearest police station to where Winona had last been seen. When they arrived, an officer greeted Julian and explained, "An elderly couple out for their morning walk found this phone."

"How did you determine that Winona was abducted?" Julian pressed.

The officer produced a set of photos. "The ground was a mess, but you can still make out SOS scratched out with a foot. Her car was parked nearby, and the dashcam footage, though blurry, shows she was forced away by several men."

Because Mr. Nicholson had court this morning, the meeting had been pushed back to eleven.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Julian answered.

Winona's disappearance was his top priority, but the company's affairs were just as pressing. The retirement project was a multi-billion-dollar initiative—any misstep could prove catastrophic.

Now, more than ever, he needed to keep his composure.

He made it back to the office a little after eleven.

In the large conference room, every project manager, lead engineer, and on-site supervisor, as well as Felicity, the chief engineer, were already assembled, waiting for Julian's arrival.

When he walked in, looking visibly drained, Felicity's brow creased with concern. She approached him quietly.

"Julian, you look exhausted. Is something wrong? Or is Winona still making trouble? She's unbelievable. She files for divorce, then doesn't even show up—what's that about? Don't let it get to you. Let's focus on the meeting first."