The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 40

"Fine!" Winona never wasted time on pleasantries with Wesley.

Honestly, she was far too exhausted to meet with any investors right now.

Back home, standing in front of the full-length mirror, she finally saw just how drained and disheveled she looked.

All that frantic running around through the night—for a child who didn't even love her—had left her a mess, like some hapless stray caught in the rain.

She swore she'd never chase after anyone like that again.

She stripped down, took a long, hot shower, put on a face mask, then collapsed into bed.

Later, Mia picked up Zane from school. As soon as they got home, Zane stationed himself dutifully at Winona's bedside, refusing to leave. It wasn't until half past nine that night that Winona finally stirred.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Zane's small but surprisingly strong hand pressed gently to her forehead.

"Mom, you're awake!" Zane said, peering at her with concern.

Mia walked over, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "You know, Nona, you've really raised a fine little duckling here. I told him you didn't have a fever, but every two minutes he'd come back to check your forehead. Such a sweet kid—maybe you should just give him to me?"

She winked at Zane, teasing.

Zane's eyes grew wide. "Aunt Mia, my mom saved me when I was just a little kid. When I grow up, I'll take care of you too, but please, don't fight with my mom for… for the duckling, okay?"

He was so earnest, it made Mia laugh out loud. "Alright, alright, Aunt Mia won't steal you from your mom. But you have to promise—when you grow up, you'll take care of me, too!"

Zane nodded solemnly. "When I grow up, I'll take care of Aunt Mia, and Great-Grandma, and Mom. I won't let Mom suffer anymore."

He still ached for his mom, knowing how much she'd been through the previous night.

Winona felt her heart, battered and bruised from Tiana's cruelty, begin to heal just a little.

She pulled Zane into a tight hug, her voice thick with emotion. "Sweetheart, you're still so little. Right now, it's my job to take care of you. I'll work hard and make sure you have everything you need. And, you know what? Your birthday's coming up soon. How about Mom and Aunt Mia throw you the biggest birthday party ever?"

Zane grinned and nodded. "Okay, Mom!"

"Come on, let's get you washed up and ready for bed," Winona said, ruffling his hair.

"Okay, Mom." Zane was unusually obedient and thoughtful for his age—warm, considerate, and wise beyond his years.

Winona watched him brush his teeth, wash his face, and even clean himself up, every movement self-disciplined and independent—a little grown-up in the making.

Inside Bunny Abode Interior Design, Winona stood before a projection screen, presenting her retirement community plans frame by frame. She covered every detail: how to address the increasing mobility challenges that come with age, and the ways her design would make daily life—meals, hygiene, medical care—seamless and dignified.

The investors watched, transfixed.

By the end, they were sold. Right there on the spot, they agreed to invest.

Once the paperwork was finalized, Winona didn't even linger to celebrate over lunch. She left Bunny Abode and headed straight for the hospital.

After all, she was the one who hit Yves Prescott—she had to take responsibility.

Outside Yves's hospital room, she heard his voice through the door, sounding frustrated on the phone. "He hasn't even met me—why did he turn me down? I had something unexpected come up yesterday…"

Winona raised her hand and knocked.

"Come in!" came Yves's voice—cold as ice.

When he saw it was Winona opening the door, Yves froze for a moment. Then, his expression turned hard as stone.

"Get out," he said flatly.