The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 398

As he spoke, Julian was already heading for the door.

Janetta clapped a hand to her forehead. "You're right! My grandchildren are what's important, and the family's new project. And Felly has a big surprise for us at the wedding! What do you think it could be? Julian, where are you going…?" But he was already gone.

"I have to get home to Felly!" he called back.

Even so, it was after one in the morning by the time he arrived. The main hall was dark; everyone was asleep. He quietly peeked into Tiana's room and saw her sleeping soundly, clutching her new Barbie doll. He closed the door without waking her.

The New Year came and went.

The next day was New Year's Day.

In previous years, Julian would take Tiana to the family estate, leaving Winona at home alone. They would spend the night there and celebrate the first day of the year with the family. But this year, with the Shepherds staying at his villa, he stayed home with them instead.

In Julian's presence, the Shepherd family doted on Tiana. Henrietta and Old Mrs. Shepherd each gave her a hefty cash gift for the New Year. Tiana politely refused, saying they should save it for her baby brother and sister. At meals, she waited for Henrietta and Old Mrs. Shepherd to be seated before taking her own place at the table.

"Such a well-behaved little princess," Henrietta praised with a smile.

Julian was also pleased with Tiana's mature and generous behavior. "You've done a wonderful job with her," he said to Felicity. "I have complete faith in you when it comes to raising our child."

"Julian, I love you, and of course I love Tiana," Felicity replied sincerely. "I will raise her as if she were my own."

As she spoke, Tiana kept her head down, silently eating her food.

"Tiana," Felicity said, turning to her, "you love me most, don't you? If your real mother and I were both here, you would choose me without hesitation, wouldn't you?"

Before Tiana could answer, Felicity's phone rang. It was Xander McCarthy. "It must be Xander, calling to wish us a Happy New Year," she said with a smile.

After calling Felicity, he immediately dialed Winona. She answered quickly. "Dr. McCarthy, you broke your promise! You were supposed to come over for New Year's."

"Nona, there's hope for Frank! We've found a heart donor."

"Whether he lives or dies is no concern of mine," Winona said flatly.

Xander wasn't surprised by her reaction. He just hoped that when Frank woke up after the surgery, he would see Winona and their child, and all the questions would finally be answered.

"Nona, he's an elderly man, all alone here…"

"Dr. McCarthy," Winona said, "I have to leave for Italy in a week. I have a lot to do to prepare. I really don't have time to visit Frank."

Xander was taken aback. "You're going to Italy? Do you have friends there?"