The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 44

Mia poked Zane's nose with a laugh. "You little rascal, you're even sharper than your mom! Let me guess—what you're really saying is, the purse your mother gave me costs way more than any babysitting fee, right?"

Zane looked at her with a completely straight face. "Aunt Mia, how are you always so clever…"

"Come on then, tell me!" Mia teased, pretending to make it difficult for him. "When you're older, will you love me more, or your mom more?"

He didn't hesitate for a second. "I'll love my mom more!"

Mia threw up her hands in mock exasperation. "You really are your mother's loyal little goose! Aren't you worried I'll stop helping her take care of you?"

Zane's face fell instantly. "Aunt Mia, you wouldn't stop helping my mom, would you?"

Mia burst out laughing. "Of course not, silly! I was just teasing you. Your mom and I have been friends since she was ten—she saved my life, you know. If I don't help her, who will? Even if she never paid me a dime, I'd never leave you behind. Now, go grab your piggy bank! Let's order the best takeout dinner we can find."

Zane gave her a long-suffering look, but a few minutes later, he came over clutching his electronic piggy bank and set it down in front of Mia. "Well… since you're throwing my birthday party, I guess I'll use my allowance to treat you to dinner. But, man…"

Mia grinned, tousling his hair. "Don't look so heartbroken, kiddo. Aunt Mia promises you're going to get a huge surprise at your birthday party!"

At that, Zane finally broke into a wide, delighted grin.

Three days later, Zane's birthday arrived.

That morning, Winona dropped Zane off at preschool as usual. As she kissed him goodbye, she knelt to his level and reminded him, "Zane, wait for me this afternoon, okay? Make sure you invite all your friends, and after I finish up at the office, I'll head straight over to get everything ready for your party."

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