The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 90

People all around them were whispering and speculating, but Yves Prescott didn't hear a word. His eyes, cold as twin blades, seemed as if they could cut right through Julian, leaving nothing but ice in their wake.

From the furious glare Julian shot his way, Yves finally understood—Winona hadn't lied to him.

Just moments ago, Winona had leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "I'm Julian's wife. His legal wife." Of course, he hadn't believed her. But then, almost instinctively, he'd wrapped his arm around her, just to test Julian's reaction.

Now, in this moment, everything was clear. Winona really was Julian's wife—his lawful wife.

Yves looked down at Winona, still nestled calmly against his side. Her expression was remarkably steady, almost serene.

A strange ache twisted in Yves's chest.

He thought back to every time he'd seen her. Except for that car accident, every single meeting had happened wherever Julian was present.

He hadn't understood before. Now he did.

He used to think Winona was just chasing after Julian, desperate to compete with Felicity for his attention. Looking back, he realized how wrong he'd been.

Reality was the exact opposite.

Winona and Julian were married. Legally.

And Felicity…?

Felicity, with her confidence, her charm, her dazzling beauty—she had seemed nearly perfect. But was it all just an act?

A wave of sudden disgust washed over Yves, making his stomach churn.

And then there was Winona.

She'd faced ridicule and humiliation at every turn, yet she still held her ground, still managed to keep her composure.

Especially today, in the middle of this mess, she'd kept pressing that former architect-turned-investor for answers, showing a stubborn, unbreakable will to survive. Yves couldn't help but admire her resilience.

At that moment, Teague and Henrietta—who'd been discussing the birthday party schedule backstage—walked over. When they saw Winona, Mia, and the old lady, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

Henrietta, in true form, started in on her usual tirade, "Winona! Why are you still—"

But halfway through, she caught herself. There were far too many distinguished guests in the room; as much as she wanted to curse Winona out, she couldn't say something so crude here.

"What… what is going on?" Henrietta managed, barely keeping her anger in check.

No sooner had she spoken than more than twenty men in black suits strode in through the main entrance. Each one looked strong and ready for a fight.

They stopped in front of Julian. The leader spoke respectfully, "Mr. Nicholson, which four people are causing trouble? We'll throw them out right now."

Before Julian could reply, Yves Prescott spoke up, his tone casual and relaxed. "Mr. Nicholson, Winona is indeed my guest today. So is the old lady, the lovely lady, and the young man—they're all here with me. They only came to wish Old Mrs. Shepherd a happy birthday, and if things got a little dramatic, well, it was just to liven up the party. Surely you wouldn't cause a scene over something so trivial, would you, Mr. Nicholson?"

Julian was silent.