The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 178

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Mia, Helga, and Zane all let out gleeful shouts the moment they popped slices of perfectly cut beef tongue—dipped in the chef's secret sauce—into their mouths. Laughter erupted around the table, their joy completely unrestrained.

They might have looked a bit out of place, fussing and carrying on as if they'd just stepped into civilization for the first time, but the warmth and affection between them was unmistakable. The whole scene radiated a kind of cozy, lived-in happiness—so much that even a few of the servers couldn't help but smile.

Off to the side, Wesley quietly kept them company. While the waitstaff carved beef and tongue for Mia, Zane, and Helga, Wesley took up his knife to carefully cut Winona's steak into bite-sized pieces, making sure she didn't have to lift a finger.

Across the restaurant, the scene couldn't have been more different.

At the far end, an entire table sat in such awkward silence you'd think their toes were curling right through their shoes. No one dared suggest leaving, though—especially Old Mrs. Shepherd, who sat upright and dignified, determined not to lose face.

Inside, she seethed with contempt. Such a fancy restaurant, and these people were treating it like some barnyard banquet! And instead of feeling embarrassed, they were actually enjoying themselves—what a disgrace.

She fumed, *Proper dining is meant to be quiet. Refined. You hold your fork and knife like art, take tiny, careful bites—these country bumpkins haven't got a clue!*

So there they sat: on Winona's side, laughter, lively chatter, and the occasional shout. Helga and Zane were absolutely in their element; Zane even climbed into his mother's lap now and then, spearing a piece of steak with his own fork and feeding it to her with a triumphant grin.

Meanwhile, at Felicity's table, every bite felt like serving time in solitary—painfully stiff and joyless.

Mia ducked her head, leaned toward Winona, and whispered, "Hey, look at their table. Every single one of them has their face locked in a frown, eyes down, not a word to each other, not even a clink of wine glasses. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were all eating slop."

If anyone had a sharp tongue, it was Mia.

Winona shot her a sideways look. "Mia, could you watch your mouth? Do you have to make everyone lose their appetite just to get in a jab? We're still eating, you know. Just stop before I gag."

Mia grinned, "Whoops, forgot we're eating too. Here I am, spouting off about slop and who knows what else—bad habit, bad habit!" She gave her own cheek a playful slap, but that didn't stop her from giggling.

Winona just rolled her eyes. "…"