The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 29

Gideon froze, momentarily at a loss.

Mr. Nicholson's divorce papers had already been drawn up, but thanks to Frank, the entire process was put on hold.

Why would Winona choose this exact moment to push for a divorce from Mr. Nicholson?

He suspected the divorce was just a ruse. Winona must know Julian can't proceed right now—maybe she was here just to stir up trouble.

Gideon's tone was sharp with contempt as he ordered her out. "Leave Nicholson Enterprises right now! If you don't, I'll call security—and the police if I have to!"

"Gideon," Winona said quietly.

He shot her a cold look.

Her voice was utterly calm, betraying no emotion. "I've been married into the Nicholson family for six years, and I've never once asked my husband for anything. But if I decided, as his wife, to demand he fire you on the spot, what do you think would happen to you?"

Gideon was speechless.

After all, she was the boss's wife—her status was unquestionable. There was no way a mere assistant could ever stand above her.

For the first time, Gideon actually saw Winona for who she was. In that moment, her poise and authority felt every bit as formidable as Felicity's.

"I apologize, ma'am. I overstepped. Please, punish me as you see fit," Gideon said, bowing his head in a show of respect.

Winona's tone softened. "Julian is expecting me today. He asked me to come. Would you mind letting him know I'm here?"

"Mr. Nicholson is in a meeting with our overseas partners, finalizing a project proposal. As soon as he's out, I'll let him know you're here. Is that all right?"

Winona nodded. "That's fine."

"Then, if you—" Gideon hesitated, wanting to suggest she wait elsewhere, but Winona's presence was so commanding he didn't dare finish the sentence.

"I won't leave until I see Julian," Winona said, her resolve clear. Today, she was determined to end this marriage.

"Please, follow me," Gideon said, leading her to a guest lounge before slipping out.

"She's from one of the wealthiest families in Greenwood City—great background, beautiful, educated. Girls like us could never dream of reaching her level."

"Before she turned sixteen, she was basically a nobody."

"What?"

"Before sixteen, Miss Shepherd lived in some remote backwater. Her real parents only found her after that. Everything she has now, she earned herself—her life is honestly inspirational."

"I love stories like that—tell me more! I'm a sucker for the whole 'prince falls for Cinderella' thing!"

"Miss Shepherd is the real deal—a true heiress. But for sixteen years, she lived someone else's life because a fake heiress stole her place! Her real parents are the founders of Shepherd Holdings, worth hundreds of millions. They finally found her when she was sixteen. When her mother saw her barefoot, cutting grass to feed pigs, she fainted on the spot."

"My God, I can't believe my idol went through so much! What happened to the fake heiress? Did she get sent back to the boonies?"

"Apparently, the fake one was lazy and spoiled, and when she found out her real parents were poor, she refused to leave the Shepherds. She clung to the family and made Miss Shepherd's life miserable. Eventually, her adoptive parents had enough and kicked her out. Only then did Miss Shepherd finally have a real home."

"No wonder Miss Shepherd has that unbreakable spirit—like a flower blooming in winter. It's true, the sweetest success comes after the hardest trials. At least now, she has both love and career. She really deserves her happy ending."