The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 397

Before the Shepherds could react, Yves wrapped an arm around Winona, took Zane's hand, and led his group—Mia and the grandmother following behind—off the ship. The entire Shepherd family was left standing on the deck, stunned into silence.

After disembarking, Julian drove his parents back to the family estate, while the Shepherds found a quiet corner for an emergency meeting.

"That madman, Yves Prescott," Henrietta began, her voice trembling with rage. "He's treating us like falcons to be broken."

"This is all Winona's fault!" Teague snarled, his face gaunt and sallow. The doctor had told him his blood disorder was caused by stress and shock. In other words, Winona had made him sick. He wished she would just drop dead.

Old Mr. Shepherd sighed. "She's still the child you raised. Can't you find it in your hearts to be a little more lenient with her?"

"You old fool!" Old Mrs. Shepherd spat, poking him in the chest. "You've been completely bewitched by Winona and that old hag! All you do is defend them!"

"I am divorcing you," Old Mr. Shepherd stated, his voice firm and final.

Looking at the chaos Winona had wrought upon her family, Henrietta turned to Felicity, her eyes filled with venom. "Felly, if Winona wants to make our lives miserable, you make her daughter's life miserable too. I can't even look at that little brat without seeing Winona's face."

Felicity's expression was just as cold. She thought of Tiana's conversation with Zane, a clear attempt to complain about her.

"Patience, Mom," Felicity said, her voice low and reassuring. "My wedding to Julian is just around the corner. Once we're married, there will be plenty of time."

When they returned to Nicholson Manor, Julian wasn't back yet. At the sound of the front door, Tiana came running out, but her face fell when she saw it was only the Shepherds. She quickly composed herself, a sweet smile replacing her disappointment. "Mommy."

Julian was looking at his phone. A text from Felicity had just come in: *Julian, when will you be back? I'm not feeling well, my stomach hurts.*

"Julian, what are you going to do about this?" Janetta demanded.

He looked up, frowning. "It's perfectly normal for Yves to invest in a cruise line. I own two in Stellarburg myself. The tickets were a gift from the tourism bureau. It has nothing to do with him."

"So you think running into Winona on the cruise was just a coincidence?"

"Winona is no longer our concern. We should all just stay out of each other's way. My wedding to Felicity is fast approaching. Neither the Nicholsons nor the Shepherds should be stirring up any more trouble. Mom, the presales for the senior living project are about to start, and in six months, Felly will be giving you twin grandchildren. Do you really have time to worry about what Winona and her family are doing?"