The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 83

It was already late when Winona got home.

Even before she stepped inside, laughter drifted out to greet her.

"Nana, these are amazing! Where did you find them? Weren't you headed to the Shepherds' place?"

"Oh, I went all the way there for nothing—the Shepherds weren't home. I barely lingered at their gate before turning back. On the way, I stumbled across a little farmers' market and picked them up there. Zane, tell Great-Nana, are they good?"

"They're great, Great-Nana," Zane mumbled, his mouth full.

As Winona opened the door, she was met with the sight of two beautiful women and a burly little boy sprawled across the living room, munching on roasted sweet corn without a shred of decorum.

Sweet corn was a specialty of Greenwood City.

It wasn't quite as sugary as sugarcane, but had a crisp, refreshing sweetness all its own—and, unlike sugarcane, it was easy to chew, which meant both Helga's worn teeth and Zane's little baby ones could handle it just fine.

Helga was the first to spot Winona. "Nona's home! Go wash your hands, I made you some chicken soup."

Setting down her half-eaten corn, Helga hurried to the kitchen to ladle out a bowl of soup for her.

Zane trotted over with her slippers, while Mia took her bag and keys.

A sudden warmth prickled behind Winona's eyes.

This little family of four was a motley crew—the old, the weak, the sick, and the young—but to her, they were home. No matter what it took, she'd make sure the three of them lived out their days in comfort and peace.

After dinner, she coaxed Helga gently, "Grandma, the Shepherds aren't home this year. Mrs. Shepherd isn't throwing her birthday party anymore. You don't need to wait outside their place again, okay?"

"Why isn't that little hussy having her birthday this time?" Helga asked, frowning.

"I knew it! My granddaughter's husband is the most capable man in the world. Once Zane gets better, we're moving back in with him. We've been apart too long; you know what they say, out of sight, out of mind. I don't want him running around and picking up another mistress while you're away!"

Nona and Mia both fell silent.

Mia nearly blurted out, "Grandma, he already did—and he threw your granddaughter out on the street because of her." But Winona pinched her thigh so hard she broke out in a sweat, and she managed to swallow the words.

Later, after Helga had gone to bed, Winona turned to Mia. "Here's the plan: to make Mrs. Shepherd's birthday party even more extravagant, Julian invited all the city's big shots—including a real estate developer I've been wanting to meet."

"A real estate guy? What's he got to do with your search for investors?" Mia asked, puzzled.

"The housing market's been down the last few years. This developer's been looking to diversify. He started out as a carpenter, and my designs hinge on top-quality woodwork. If I can convince him to invest, it'll be much easier to attract others."

"Got it! So what do you need me to do? Should I use my feminine charms to win over this carpenter? Is he old? Over seventy? Because if he is, I might have to draw the line—but for you, I'll do it!"