The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 395

The voice coming from Zane's smartwatch was loud and clear, easily overheard by everyone nearby, including Julian, Forrest, Janetta, and Felicity.

"Zane, is the cruise fun?" Tiana asked, her voice filled with a desperate longing. "I've been to lots of amusement parks, but I've never been on a big cruise ship. I really want to know what it's like. Can you tell me?"

Zane eagerly described it. "It's super big and tall! Great-Grandma says it's like twenty stories high! She's been taking me everywhere. There's so much yummy food and fun stuff to do. You can even go up to the top deck! It's the coolest place I've ever been."

"Is Great-Grandma nice to you?" Tiana asked.

"Of course she is! I'm her great-grandson," Zane said proudly. "She loves me even more than she loves Mom. If there's anything really good to eat or play with, she saves it all for me. Even Aunt Mia can't get any!"

"Aunt… Mia… tries to take your stuff?" Tiana asked, listening intently, a knot of sadness tightening in her chest.

"Aunt Mia doesn't just try to take my snacks, she tries to take my allowance too!" the six-year-old boasted. "But I don't mind. She and Great-Grandma both love me. Aunt Mia kisses me so many times every day, it's almost annoying."

"Waaaah…" Tiana suddenly started crying again.

"What's wrong, Tiana?" Zane asked. "I was wondering why you weren't here. Your parents and grandparents all came. I wanted to play with you."

Tiana's sobs grew louder. "Zane, I miss you all. I wish I had a great-grandma and an Aunt Mia to love me too."

"Zane, hang up the phone," Winona said, her voice strained.

"Okay, Mom." Zane spoke into the watch, "Tiana, I have to go now."

"Wow! I'm so happy! Thank you, Mommy, I love you! I'm going to get my Barbies right now!"

"Okay, Tia. I'll let you go," Felicity said warmly.

"Bye, Mommy."

After the call ended, Felicity turned to Winona with a serene smile. "Miss Perkins, since you chose to give up custody of Tiana, she is now my and Julian's daughter. Every family has its own way of raising children. Under my guidance, Tiana has become a much more loving and considerate child. The reason we didn't bring her tonight is because we felt this environment wasn't suitable for her. We have a responsibility to her upbringing."

*Their daughter.* She said it so smoothly, so naturally, anyone would think Tiana was her own flesh and blood.

Janetta and Forrest beamed with pride. "It's true," Janetta announced to the onlookers. "Felicity loves Tiana. They're as close as best friends."