The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 155

155 /316

"Who is this?" Helga Perkins couldn't recognize Julian's voice on the other end of the line.

She had once had Julian's number, and they'd spoken on the phone before. But over the years, she'd never actually gotten through to him, and Julian had never reached out to her. Not long ago, Winona had even deleted all the Nicholson family contacts from her phone. So now, the voice of her once-proud, much-bragged-about grandson-in-law was a stranger to her.

"I…" Julian hesitated, unsure what to say.

It wasn't until this very moment, dialing Helga's number, that Julian realized finding Winona had never really been difficult. The truth was, he just hadn't bothered. Deep down, he'd always assumed Winona would return on her own, so he'd never tried.

"Are you with the delivery service?" Helga's voice was frail and tinged with sorrow. "All the packages are for my granddaughter. I don't take deliveries. You must have the wrong number." She sounded ready to hang up.

Lately, Helga had been so distraught over not receiving her late husband's crucifix that she'd stopped eating, ended up in the hospital, hooked to an IV. Mia had been caring for her, but at this moment, Mia was off picking up Zane, leaving Helga alone to answer the call.

Just as she was about to hang up, Julian stopped her. "Ma'am, I—no, I'm not with any delivery service. Would you mind coming to the door for a moment?"

"No." Her refusal was immediate and firm. "I may be old, but I'm not about to be fooled by some stranger. I haven't got much family left, only my granddaughter. I caused her enough trouble not long ago, nearly got us sent halfway across the country. I don't trust anyone anymore. I'm not coming out. Goodbye!"

"Do you… do you have a crucifix?" Julian pressed on gently.

That one word—crucifix—was the last straw. The old woman broke down, sobbing. "They bullied me, took advantage because I have no one, and then they went after my granddaughter, too… We're just two women on our own. My granddaughter's been through so much. I never want to see that crucifix again… never…" Her cries grew more desperate and, in the next moment, she hung up.

Julian stared at his phone, a heavy ache in his chest.