The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 434

"Don't worry, sis," the little boy said, clearly the more worldly of the two. "Our new daddy's gifts will definitely be big. Grandma told us he gave Mommy several hundred million right off the bat."

The twins turned to Julian and chirped in unison, their voices sickeningly sweet, "Hello, Daddy! You're so handsome."

Julian stood frozen, his face a blank mask.

At Felicity's direction, the children then made their way to Janetta, Forrest, Old Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, and Shera, reciting their greetings like well-rehearsed performers. "Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma. Hello, Great-Grandpa. Hello, Great-Grandma. Hello, Auntie."

The Nicholsons' smiles were more painful than grimaces. Janetta, in particular, looked as if she were at a funeral.

Finally, Felicity led the children back to Julian. "Darling," she said softly, "I've chosen new names for them: Kevin Nicholson and Catherine Nicholson. What do you think? It's the same 'K' sound as Victor. They can be a close-knit trio of cousins."

In that moment, Felicity had completely erased Tiana from the family picture.

Forrest, a man of few words, suddenly exploded. "None of them are our goddamn bloodline!" he roared. "The Nicholson family has only one true heir, and her name is Tiana!"

Shera, stunned by her father's outburst, asked tearfully, "Dad, are you saying Victor isn't part of the Nicholson bloodline either?"

"Is Victor dead yet? Because if he's not, I'm taking the name back. From this day forward, he can use his father's surname! Even in death, he will not be a Nicholson. He is a grandson of this family, but he is not Tiana!" With that, Forrest stormed off the stage.

The remaining members of the Nicholson and Shepherd families stood in a silence so awkward it was physically painful. Felicity's children, however, remained blissfully ignorant, looking up at Julian with an easy familiarity.

"Ha! That's hilarious."

Sitting in the corner with Yves, Winona felt a growing unease. From the first click of the camera, she had noticed that Tiana was not on stage.

"Yves, let's go home," she said, her mood sinking.

Yves had also noticed Tiana's absence and knew Winona must be hurting. He put an arm around her and they slipped quietly out of the banquet hall.

As they reached the parking lot, they found Frank waiting for them in his wheelchair, blocking their car. His expression was grave, his voice trembling as he looked at Winona. "Miss Perkins, what is your relationship with the Shepherd family? You used to be a Shepherd, didn't you? Answer me, didn't you?"