The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 393

Winona looked stunning. Her pale blue, mermaid-style gown, embellished with tiny diamonds, perfectly complemented her ivory skin. A simple white pearl necklace completed the look, giving her an air of clean, elegant sophistication.

She stood by Yves Prescott's side, a picture of calm and grace. The way he looked at her was a mixture of adoration and awe, as if she were a goddess.

Felicity suddenly realized that Winona was a good half a head taller than her. At just under five-foot-five, Felicity considered herself tall, especially in her four-inch heels. But now she saw that Winona was at least five-foot-seven, with the proportions of a model. A wave of insecurity washed over her.

"My goddess," Yves said, his voice laced with reverence, "are you pleased with tonight's arrangements?"

Winona smiled faintly. "I am very pleased."

Yves then guided her through the crowd, introducing her to a host of influential figures. With her arm linked through his, she gracefully greeted each person, clinking glasses with an easy confidence.

Watching from a distance, Felicity had a sinking feeling. Was this entire cruise… hosted by Yves Prescott?

Her parents, brother, and grandmother gathered around her. "Felly, what is going on?" Henrietta asked, bewildered. "I'm not surprised Winona is here, since she's with Yves. But how did that old woman and Mia get on board? People like them, making a scene on a luxury cruise like this?"

Felicity shook her head, clenching her jaw to keep her voice steady. "I don't know, Mom. This isn't our cruise. We were invited, and so were they."

"I know that," Henrietta snapped. "I just think it's disgusting!"

Janetta joined them, and Henrietta turned to her. "How did Winona get here?"

"What are you talking about?"

"It's a training method. You keep the falcon awake for days. When it's about to collapse from exhaustion, you let it rest for a few seconds, then you start all over again, even more intensely. You break it down, give it a moment of relief, and then break it down again. Over and over, a cycle of misery and brief respite. In the end, the falcon becomes more obedient than a lapdog."

"The Nicholsons can save you once, and I can crush you twice. They save you twice, and I can crush you three times. Some people just have to learn things the hard way. And I, Yves Prescott, am more than happy to oblige."

Henrietta's face went pale. She suddenly realized they were the falcons, and Yves was the falconer. A shiver ran down her spine.

Yves just smiled, a look of cold amusement in his eyes, then raised his glass and moved on to greet someone else.