The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 334

"Mr. Foster, I don't hold grudges. I won't dwell on what you did to me before, so there's no need for you to be so deferential," Winona said, her expression calm.

"Then… can you consider me a friend?" Clayton asked cautiously.

Felicity's face fell. Even Clayton was bowing down to Winona. A flicker of annoyance crossed her features before she smoothed it away.

But Winona's answer was firm. "No."

"I can wait until you're no longer angry. I'll prove myself. If I do well, maybe then you can consider me a friend?"

"Mr. Foster, I'm not some important person with special talents. You really don't need to be my friend. I genuinely don't blame you anymore, but I can't bring myself to befriend a man who held me captive and slandered me online. My heart isn't that big. However, since I no longer blame you, you shouldn't feel burdened by guilt."

Clayton was speechless. In that moment, he truly understood how extraordinary Winona was. Perhaps it wasn't extraordinary, but a product of her circumstances. She was alone, without power, and couldn't afford to make enemies. So, all she could do was let go and not hold onto hatred. But that in itself demonstrated a resilience and strength that Felicity could never match.

"Clayton," Felicity said, her tone business-like, "our foundation is laid, and the structure is getting taller. Having unauthorized personnel here is a safety risk and a distraction to our work."

Clayton nodded quickly. "Yes, Miss Shepherd has a point. So, Miss Perkins, for your own safety, I think it would be best if you didn't come to the site anymore…"

He broke into a sweat as he said the words.

"Mr. Foster, Ms. Shepherd." Yves, who had been watching silently, finally spoke up. He casually put his arm around Winona's shoulders and said to them, "I haven't had a chance to tell you both. While this land is a joint venture with Mr. Nicholson, the truth is, I'm merely an employee of the studio founded by Ms. Winona Perkins."

Together, Winona and Yves walked away, oblivious to everyone else.

The moment they were off the site, before they even reached the car, Yves eagerly sought her approval. "So, how did your subordinate do today? Did I satisfy my boss?"

After their long walk and talk three nights ago, Winona had learned more about Yves's past. She understood that his ruthlessness was a product of necessity; if he hadn't been ruthless, he would have been the one to die. She felt a kinship with him, and her attitude toward him had become much more relaxed.

Hearing his words, Winona remembered Mia's assessment of him. She smiled like a playful young girl and poked him gently in the chest. "Hmm! I've discovered that you're not just handsome, charming, and a great cook. You're also…"

"Good morning, Mr. Nicholson," Yves said, his eyes shifting to Julian, who had just gotten out of his car.