The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 185

185 /316

Both men glanced at Winona at the same time.

Yves Prescott stopped immediately.

He'd never really intended to hit Julian in the first place. Ever since meeting Winona, his temper had calmed; he rarely even thought about raising a hand against anyone—let alone starting a fight in public.

Julian had thrown the first punch.

The moment Winona shouted for them to stop, Yves Prescott obeyed without hesitation.

But Julian, usually the picture of composure and grace, didn't stop. He raised his fist and drove it hard into Yves's face.

Blood sprayed from Yves Prescott's lips before he could react, and Julian didn't give him a chance to recover—he kicked him square in the chest, sending him flying six feet across the polished floor.

Everyone in Greenwood City knew Julian—steady, reliable, never one to act out of line. What they didn't know was that, on top of his natural athleticism, Julian had been privately trained in kickboxing since childhood by a seasoned professional.

Still, Julian almost never used those skills. Usually, he kept that side of himself tightly under wraps.

But today, he'd lost all restraint. He went after Yves Prescott with a ferocity that left no room for consequences or reason.

Not that Yves Prescott was someone to be taken lightly. But he'd let his guard down, especially after Winona's plea for peace. That's how Julian gained the upper hand.

Julian closed in for a third attack, ready to land another brutal kick to Yves as he lay sprawled on the ground. In that instant, Winona threw herself over Yves, shielding him with her own body. She looked up at Julian, her eyes blazing with determination.

Her expression was clear: "Julian, if you dare lay another finger on him, I'll fight you with everything I have."

Julian froze, his foot suspended in the air.

For a long moment, he and Winona locked eyes. The look she gave him was filled with nothing but hatred.

Nothing but hatred.

In that moment, Julian felt a cold emptiness settle in his chest.

The bystanders were struck speechless.

Everyone in Greenwood City knew Julian and Yves Prescott had always been rivals, but never had anyone seen them brawling like schoolboys. Their battles had always been fought in boardrooms, not on the floor.