The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 84

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Winona fell silent, caught between laughter and exasperation.

Her heart felt both warm and achingly tender.

She fixed Mia with a steady, heartfelt gaze. "From now on—for the rest of your life—I absolutely forbid you from ever sacrificing your own well-being for anyone or anything. This weekend, I want you to stay home, look after Gran and my little rascal. I'll make sure to set aside a handsome dowry for you, so when the time comes, you'll walk down the aisle with your head held high."

Mia's eyes brimmed with grateful tears. "I promise!"

The next day

Winona loaded the whole family into the car and they spent the day at the biggest shopping mall in town.

The little one was thrilled—racing from one play area to the next, laughter echoing down the halls.

Gran, too, was having the time of her life. Despite her age, she took to new trends with surprising gusto. With Mia egging her on, Gran was every bit the giddy teenager—insisting on buying any dress that caught her eye, sampling fancy skincare products, and giggling over new shades of lipstick.

By the end of the day, Winona had spent thousands just on Gran's new wardrobe and beauty essentials. The trunk was packed to bursting with treasures the two of them had picked out.

Once the shopping spree was done, Winona led them to the food court in the basement, where they stocked up on treats and snacks. Only then did they head home, exhausted but content.

"Alright, I've bought you all the food and fun you'll need for the weekend," Winona said as they unpacked. "So, here's the deal: Zane, you're going to be a good boy and keep your great-grandma company, give her a nice back rub, and listen to Aunt Mia, okay? Mommy has to be out all day tomorrow."

Zane nodded eagerly. "Okay!"

With Gran settled and the house in order, Winona finally felt ready to leave them behind and focus on her real task: attending the Shepherd family's gala, where she hoped to find the investor she'd been searching for.

Sunday

At the crack of dawn, Winona set out. She'd cut a deal with the owner of a gourmet fruit delivery company—fifty thousand dollars, just for the chance to step foot inside the Shepherd family's exclusive birthday celebration. She was determined to seize any business opportunity she could.