The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 57

The news hit her like a bolt of lightning on a clear day.

Her designs, her project plans—were they really identical to The Nicholson Group's work?

How was that possible?

She'd had her inspirations while staying at the Nicholson estate, yes, but she'd brought her own laptop with her. She hadn't left a single draft behind when she left.

Winona stood frozen, unable to form a single word.

"Nona, are you listening?" Wesley's voice crackled with concern over the phone.

"I'll be right there. We'll face the investors together." Wesley was the one who'd introduced her to these investors in the first place; she couldn't just hide and leave him to clean up her mess.

She sped over to Bunny Abode Interior Design.

Even before she reached the conference room, she could hear raised voices.

"I knew it! How could someone so plain-looking come up with such brilliant designs? Turns out she just stole from The Nicholson Group!"

"Mr. Quigley, we asked you about her background, her education. You brushed it all off! We only invested because we trusted you!"

"Mr. Quigley, we need an explanation!"

"I'm pulling my investment!"

Wesley sat at the head of the table, surrounded by angry investors. He wanted to defend himself, to say something—anything—but words failed him.

Then Winona appeared at the doorway.

The investors turned on her like a pack of wolves, barely restraining themselves from tearing her apart.

Wesley immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her from their fury.

"We're all here for business. No contracts have been signed yet; you haven't lost a cent. Let's at least keep things civil—there's no need for personal attacks," Wesley said, his expression grave as he faced the room.

"But you stole those designs!"

"You tricked all of us!"

"Thank goodness we didn't sign a contract with you! If we had, you'd have cheated us out of millions!"

"If it weren't for Mr. Quigley, we'd have called the police on a woman like you!"

"Mr. Quigley, you'd better watch your back. This woman gets by on her looks and her lies!"

With that, the group stormed out of the conference room, their anger echoing in their wake.

Only Wesley and Winona remained.

"Nona, why didn't you defend yourself?"

Winona's smile was bitter. "It wouldn't have mattered. They wouldn't have believed me anyway."