The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 26

Winona gave a gentle smile. "It's nothing."

She didn't tell Irene that every one of her designs had hidden safeguards built in. If anyone tried to implement her plans without knowing those secret details, the project might look finished on the surface—but it would be a disaster waiting to happen.

She'd learned this method of self-preservation at sixteen, after her life was turned upside down. Her blueprints, her philosophy, her whole system for making life safer and easier for seniors—every bit of it was one of a kind. Anyone who tried to steal her work and use it themselves would just end up sabotaging themselves.

Irene saw that Winona didn't want to say more, so she didn't press. Instead, she invited Winona over to her place for dinner, but Winona politely declined.

They parted ways after that.

Winona spent five days in Italy, immersing herself in the conference. Afterward, she learned that her designs weren't just innovative—they were incredibly practical. Not just back home, but even in Italy, a country already facing the challenges of an aging population, her solutions were considered comprehensive and ahead of their time.

The realization sent a rush of excitement through her.

After five days, she flew back home.

The very next day, she headed straight to Bunny Abode Interior Design, practically buzzing with energy. She walked into Wesley's office, her face shining with joy. "Wesley, guess what kind of feedback I got during my trip to Italy?"

Wesley's dark eyes sparkled as he looked at her. "With how hardworking and detail-oriented you are, I bet your designs made quite a splash!"

Winona couldn't hide her happiness. "I never expected that my designs, my attention to detail, would end up being the most versatile in the world! They actually fixed all the gaps in the facilities those countries have for their seniors. The feedback was unanimous—they loved it!"

"Congratulations, Nona!" Wesley was nearly bouncing with excitement himself.

"Now…" Winona grinned at him, "I'm going to need your help finding investors."

"Not only will I introduce you to investors, I want to put my own money in, too—if you'll have me?" Wesley asked, his enthusiasm clear.

"Of course I don't mind!"

"Before I marry you, I have to clear away anything—or anyone—that could ever come between us. I'll spend my life taking care of you. Any other woman is simply not my responsibility," Julian said, surprisingly gentle for a man of so few words.

Felicity's eyes grew misty with happiness.

With a forgiving tone, she asked, "Should we… maybe talk to her first? Help her prepare herself a little?"

What she really feared was that if they confronted Winona about the divorce too abruptly, Winona's notorious dramatics might turn the whole thing into a scene.

Julian had tried to reach Winona before, but not to offer comfort—he just wanted to inform her that, if she liked, she could stay on as the housekeeper for the Nicholson family.

But now, he couldn't get hold of her at all.

He shook his head. "We've been strangers for a long time. I don't owe her any explanations."