The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 396

Her words instantly cemented Felicity's image as the perfect stepmother in the eyes of everyone on the cruise.

"What a wonderful daughter-in-law," someone remarked admiringly.

"I've heard Miss Shepherd treats Mr. Nicholson's daughter as if she were her own."

Even Julian's expression softened. His initial frustration over leaving Tiana behind now seemed misplaced. Perhaps it had been the right decision after all.

Janetta fixed Winona with a cold stare. "Winona, you have no connection to the Nicholson family anymore, and that means you have no connection to Tiana. Don't you dare try to cause trouble between Felly and her daughter!"

"Have I said a single word?" Winona asked, her voice calm.

"You…"

Winona gave a faint, dismissive smile, then took Zane's hand and walked away.

Zane, Mia, and her grandmother were busy exploring the ship, and Yves had gone to meet with some important guests. Finding the main hall too noisy, Winona went out on deck alone, leaning against the railing to watch the river and feel the cold wind on her face.

Julian appeared quietly behind her, his gaze complex as he studied her back. He had never paid much attention to her before, but now he saw that she had a remarkably elegant figure. Her new, choppy bob haircut framed her face, giving her an air of cool, melancholic independence. This was not the Winona he remembered.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice low and deep.

As the cruise docked, Yves approached the Shepherd family once more. A smug smile played on his lips. "Do you know why Winona and her family were able to enjoy themselves so freely on this cruise tonight?"

The Shepherds stared at him, confused.

"It's because I used the thirty million you paid back to the bank to buy a stake in this cruise line. And I did it in Winona's name. That means one-third of this vessel belongs to her. So, on Winona's behalf, I'd like to ask you freeloaders: did you enjoy your time on her cruise?"

The Shepherds looked as if they had just swallowed poison.

Winona, however, simply smiled warmly at them, her voice smooth and even. "Thank you for selling your properties and paying off your debts so promptly. It's wonderful to have come into such a significant fortune right before the New Year."