The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 288

In that moment, Winona was not a weak, downtrodden woman. She was a brilliant strategist, a clear-headed businesswoman. She was a calculating and terrifyingly calm opponent.

Julian felt as if he didn't know her at all. Just before entering the courtroom, he had felt pity, sympathy, and guilt toward her. That was why he had agreed to the live stream.

Now, he felt like a fool. He had been played. She had used her vulnerability and meekness as a mask, hiding her true self until this very moment, when she was certain of her victory. It was too late for him to fight back.

Julian stared at her as if she were a stranger. "You were never like this before..."

"And how was I before?" Winona asked calmly.

"You were honest, unassuming, and obedient."

"And what did my honesty and obedience get me?" she countered. "Endless blood transfusions for your nephew, eight-hour massages for your mother, and the silent tolerance of your affair. You were willing to spend a billion on your mistress but wouldn't spare a dollar for me to buy a hair tie. Even my own daughter started calling your girlfriend 'mom.' Was that the reward for my obedience?"

Julian was speechless.

The live comments on the stream exploded.

"YES! That was a brilliant move!"

"So damn satisfying!"

"Exactly! He can spend a billion on his mistress, but he can't handle his wife using a legitimate strategy to reclaim what's hers?"

"What a shameless hypocrite!"

The verdict was met with cheers from everyone across Greenwood City watching the stream. They hailed Winona as a hero.

"I'm just now noticing how striking her features are," someone commented excitedly. "She has this sharp, almost masculine, handsome quality."

"Yeah, she has this androgynous beauty today. So cool."

"She can be sweet, she can be tough, she can be innocent, she can be a total badass. Damn, she played him like a fiddle. I'm so fired up, hahaha."

In the courtroom, after the final papers were signed, Julian looked at Winona with the eyes of a stranger. "You're ruthless," he said, his voice cold.

Winona's earlier vulnerability was gone, replaced by a wry smile. "Thank you for the compliment. I wish The Nicholson Group all the best."