The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 97

Winona kept her expression unruffled as she looked at Yves Prescott and repeated, "Every single man has sided with her to bring me down. Even the overseas investors are all in her corner. Tell me—do I have any other way out?"

Yves Prescott was silent.

Every time he spoke with her, his understanding of her deepened just a little more.

When he didn't reply, Winona simply grinned, the picture of nonchalance.

She pointed at her three dependents. "If I can't meet your terms, and you decide to get rid of me, just promise me a few things before you do. For the old lady in the white dress—please, see to her burial. I already bought her a plot. As for the woman in her thirties, help her find a stable job so she can stand on her own. And the little deaf boy—make sure he ends up with a loving, ordinary family. He's very bright; whoever raises him won't regret it."

Yves nodded. "You have my word."

Then he pressed, "Now, tell me—what do you want in this deal? I already know you're Julian's wife. That counts for something, but not enough for me to risk saving your whole family tonight."

"The project," Winona finally said, cutting to the chase.

He gave a dry laugh. "A middle schooler with a project? You have nerve, I'll give you that."

"I know you don't believe me. I can't make you believe me, since only time can prove what I say. I don't need your trust. Like I said—if I'm lying, or if I can't make you money, you can do whatever you want with me. Even kill me, if you wish."

Yes, she hadn't even finished high school.

What did she have to convince anyone?

It was one reason she'd hit so many walls.

Yves still wore a mocking smile.

Winona saw no point in further explanation. "They say you're ruthless, Yves Prescott—no mercy for anyone, man or woman. And yet here you are, dragging things out."

Yves glared at her. "You—"

"I already said, if I can't give you what you want, my life is yours. What more do you want from me?"

His face darkened for a moment, then he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

Felicity saw it all.

It felt as if her heart was being torn apart by wild beasts.

But this was the Shepherd family's birthday celebration. Her brother was abroad, and she was the only young member of the family present; she had to play host from start to finish. No mistakes allowed. No matter how much pain or humiliation she felt, she had to keep going.

Tonight, Felicity was nothing like her usual self—she couldn't muster her typical ease, confidence, or radiant charm.

In contrast, Winona seemed utterly at peace.

Her gaze stayed mostly on her family she'd brought with her.

They, at least, were having the time of their lives.

Young Zane had already made three or four new friends. Each time he did, he'd announce, "You're invited to my birthday party! But we don't sing the birthday song at my parties—we sing 'The Best Mom in the World.'"

Mia was beaming, her eyes crinkling with pure delight.