The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 372

He had the sudden urge to turn around and walk away, but he couldn't. He was here to discuss the Shepherd family's situation with Winona and Yves.

"Have a seat," Winona said, her tone polite yet distant. Her eyes flickered to the gift bag in his hand.

"It's for you," he said.

"I don't want it," she replied, her refusal sharp and immediate.

"You won't even see what it is? I brought it back from Port City especially for you. It's a string of top-grade oxblood coral beads…"

"Excuse me, Mr. Nicholson, but does your fiancée know you're giving me gifts? If not, please take it back. It wouldn't matter if you offered me a coral necklace or mountains of gold; I wouldn't accept it. State your business. My time is limited," Winona said impatiently.

Julian was taken aback. He noticed for the first time a laptop open on the table in front of her. After her sharp retort, she had turned her attention back to it, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

"You're… working?" It was the first time Julian had ever seen her in a professional capacity. It was a world away from the woman who did laundry and cooked at home. He also realized that at some point, she had cut her long hair into a chic, layered bob. With the sides tucked behind her ears, she looked clean and capable, with an air of cool seriousness. Her features, already striking with their deep-set, almost European eyes, were accentuated by the sharp haircut, highlighting her professional demeanor.

Julian was stunned by how naturally she inhabited this role. Her every gesture conveyed a sense of confident competence and sharp focus.

Julian had no answer.

Just then, Winona's phone rang again. She expected it to be one of the Shepherds. They had been in a desperate state for days, and Henrietta and Teague were practically foaming at the mouth with hatred for her. She had been ignoring all unknown numbers. But a glance at the screen showed it was Xander.

She answered. "Dr. McCarthy, we had an agreement. You can be a friend to our family, a dinner companion. You can be Felicity's childhood friend and help the Shepherd family however you see fit. But you cannot interfere with my grandmother's quest for revenge. Right?"

"Nona, I'm not calling about the Shepherds," Xander said, his voice urgent. "I'm calling about you and Mr. Frank."