The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 394

"It's Winona. This is all her fault!" Henrietta hissed, her eyes scanning the room for her. The Shepherd family had never had any quarrel with Yves Prescott; he was doing all of this for Winona.

Just then, Zane, who had been happily running around the cabin, darted past Henrietta. His grandmother followed close behind, with Winona not far behind her.

Teague and Henrietta moved to block Winona's path.

Winona's gaze swept over them. It had been over a month since she'd last seen Teague, and he had lost a significant amount of weight. His complexion was sallow. He looked sick. As the head of the Shepherd family, the recent turmoil had clearly taken its toll. A faint smile touched Winona's lips.

"You must be so proud of yourself," Henrietta said, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles were white. "Driving the family that raised you for sixteen years into the ground." She was fighting the urge to lash out, knowing she couldn't cause a scene here.

"Calling yourselves my family… is that your attempt at emotional blackmail, Ms. Henrietta?" Winona replied, her voice calm and even. "I'm afraid I don't respond to that."

"Fine, no blackmail then," Felicity said, stepping in front of her mother. "But don't you think you're being a little too arrogant tonight? What makes you so special? Julian and I were invited because of our contributions to the city. What right do you have to be here?" she sneered.

"I have no right," Winona answered simply. "But Yves Prescott does."

"I don't know what he sees in you!"

"Whatever Julian sees in you, Yves sees in me. You understand the concept of a fair exchange, don't you? Whatever your value is to Julian, my value to Yves is a hundred times greater. I wonder what will happen to you, Miss Shepherd, when you're no longer of any value to the Nicholson family," Winona said with a smile.

"Tiana, where are you? I haven't seen you tonight," he asked.

Tiana's voice was small and sad. "Zane, where are you? I'm so lonely. There's no one here with me."

"I'm on a cruise with Mom! It's so cool, it's bigger than a castle, and there are so many fun things to do. There are lots of kids here all dressed up. Your mom and dad are here, and your grandma too. Why didn't you come?" Zane asked innocently.

Tiana burst into tears. "They… they left me at home. They said… they couldn't bring me."