The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 133

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The place was buzzing with life tonight, a kind of lively chaos Winona had never experienced before. Hattie had invited a whole crowd of her friends—none of whom Winona recognized.

As soon as Winona walked in, her arm linked with Yves Prescott's, Hattie broke into a wide, mischievous grin and hurried over. "Oh, Mr. Prescott, I can't believe you actually came! My father wanted me to say hello on his behalf."

The repeated "Mr. Prescott" wasn't lost on anyone; it was a not-so-subtle way of announcing to everyone just how close her family was to Yves. It also gave her free rein to act spoiled and playful around him—a privilege few could claim in Greenwood City, where Yves's name was usually whispered with a mix of awe and fear.

Yet here was Hattie, acting like his favorite niece, full of barely disguised pride.

After making her point, Hattie finally seemed to notice Winona, her eyes lighting up with feigned surprise. "Oh! So Mr. Prescott brought his darling auntie tonight? My goodness, you're absolutely gorgeous! Come, come, sit over here with us!"

Hattie's warmth was almost over-the-top, so much so that no one could tell she was up to anything.

But among the crowd, the company's legal counsel and Gideon exchanged stunned glances.

The attorney stared at Winona, turning to Gideon with a dazed expression. "Gideon, is that her? She's really pretty, actually…"

Gideon muttered under his breath, "Unbelievable. She's gotten cozy with Yves Prescott? And to think I actually felt sorry for her."

"What did you say?" the lawyer asked, missing Gideon's grumbling.

Gideon waved him off. "Listen, find a chance to get her alone. You handle your business, I'll handle mine, then let's get out of here."

"Alright," the lawyer replied.

Having reached an agreement, the two fell silent, watching as Hattie continued to toy with Winona like a cat batting at a mouse.

Hattie started by singing Winona's praises, making sure everyone knew she was Yves Prescott's partner. Then, with a sly twist, she exclaimed, "You know, I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. You look so familiar, darling!"