The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 250

Winona wept in her grandmother's arms, her tears streaming down without a trace of composure or restraint. Sobs wracked her body, and she clung to her grandmother as if she were the only anchor left in the world.

Helga held her close, voice trembling with emotion. "My poor, sweet girl. Please, don't let my granddaughter suffer like this anymore. If someone must bear this pain, let it be me. I've lived long enough—let me trade my life if it means she'll be safe and sound."

Winona blinked back tears and shook her head fiercely. "Don't talk like that, Grandma. You have to stay with me. If you're not here, then I won't have anywhere to go, no one to lean on."

Helga managed a shaky smile and wiped Winona's tears away. "Alright, alright, I'll stay. I'll be your shelter, always."

"You're not just Winona's shelter, Grandma," Mia chimed in, clutching Zane's small hand. "You're mine and Zane's, too." The four of them huddled together—crying, laughing, clinging to one another for warmth.

All around them, people watched in silence. No one dared disturb the fragile cocoon they'd woven for themselves. They simply stood by, quietly witnessing.

Especially Xander. He couldn't tear his eyes away as he watched this makeshift family of four—so battered by life, yet somehow so full of warmth. Old, frail, sick, or small, they pressed together as if their embrace alone could keep the world at bay. How could anyone believe a family like theirs, desperately clinging to each other just to survive, would ever wish harm on anyone?

And they never had. All they wanted was to weather the storm and keep going, no matter how hard it got.

Yet people like him—people with power—had done nothing but judge and attack. One day, someone would call Winona a homewrecker; the next, someone else would slander her as a gold-digger. Now, even a billionaire investor from overseas had stooped to kidnapping her.

Xander's face burned with shame. People like him, who claimed to be strong—they were the ones who'd lost their way.

"Winona, your grandmother, your sister, and Zane haven't slept at all. Why don't you take them home to rest?" Xander suggested gently.

It was only then that Winona noticed she wasn't just surrounded by Yves Prescott, Helga, Mia, and her son. Julian, Xander, and Claud were there, too.

She looked at the three men in confusion. "You three...?"

Claud jumped in, eager to explain. "I'm sorry, Winona. Julian asked me to return your grandmother's crucifix, so I was trying to catch up with you. Last night, when I saw that van following you, I tried to keep up, but you took a different route. By the time I circled back, you were gone."

She offered a weary explanation. "I never imagined something like this would happen today. I'm guessing your family, and Felicity, probably all think I just refused to show up because I don't want the divorce, right?"

Julian fell silent. She was always so perceptive, so clear-headed. He didn't know what to say.

"Let's get you home to rest," Julian said softly. "We'll deal with the hearing later."

The group left the dim boat cabin together.

Winona, flanked by four men in sharp suits, looked every bit the lost princess finally found. As their figures receded into the morning sunlight, no one noticed the burning, jealous gaze fixed on their backs.

Hidden in the shadows, Felicity's tears streamed down her face. "Winona… what kind of spell did you cast? Why is it that all my friends, even my boyfriend, keep choosing you over me? Why?"