The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 398

Winona had once dreamed of carrying on her grandfather's legacy and running the old apothecary. But once she got to college and studied pharmaceuticals, she realized she was much more passionate about drug research and development, ultimately stepping away from holistic medicine.

Beaming at the praise, Greta declared, "When I grow up, I'm going to open a clinic and save people, just like Grandpa!"

Winona's memory of her grandfather's face was beginning to blur with time, but she would never forget the sight of his back as he sat in the clinic, tending to patients from dawn to dusk.

He refused to charge the poorer villagers, meaning the clinic barely made ends meet. For years, they survived by dipping into their meager savings. Nikita, fiercely traditional, believed in standing by her husband no matter what, and never complained once.

She used to tell Winona constantly: "Your grandfather is a good man, Winona. By healing the sick, he's building up good karma for our family."

Noticing the sudden redness in Winona's eyes, Stefan reached over. "What's wrong?"

Winona managed a soft laugh. "Just missing him. If we can find the time this month, I'd really like to go back and visit his grave."

"I'll go with you."

"Okay."

***

The Goddard Group's pharmaceutical engineering design competition had finally concluded, and the top three winners were selected. The marketing department threw a lavish awards ceremony, insisting Winona attend as a guest of honor to present the trophies.

First place went to Cole Lennox's team.

As Winona handed Cole the heavy crystal trophy, his face flushed with nervous excitement. He gripped it with both hands. "Ms. Jowett, I promise I'll keep working hard. I won't let down the faith you put in me."

Winona smiled warmly. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next."

Just as everyone gathered on stage for the group photo, Stefan arrived.

Mr. Gage practically tripped over himself ushering him forward. "Mr. Goddard! Perfect timing. We were just waiting on you for the press photos."

Stefan glanced at Winona. She was standing stiffly, her face a mask of utmost professional neutrality, pretending they barely knew each other. Amused, he let Mr. Gage guide him onto the stage.

Winona had been pushed into the absolute center for the photo, flanked by Cole and Mr. Gage.

Whether intentionally or not, Stefan seamlessly inserted himself right between her and Cole. Their arms brushed lightly.

Meanwhile, her own social media was still a wasteland of angry internet trolls cursing her name from the scandal.

She couldn't stay in Seabrook City rotting away like a coward anymore. She had to get back to Riverton. If she could just launch a massive, successful project, the public narrative would instantly flip in her favor.

Without telling Yulen, she had her assistant book a flight and sneaked back to Riverton.

The second her private car pulled up to the Locke villa, she froze.

Tanner Yates was standing on the porch.

He had been blowing up her phone for two days, but she had ignored every call. She had paid him; as far as she was concerned, him harassing her was just pathetic.

Tanner looked like a ghost. His face was gaunt, his beard overgrown, and his clothes looked like they hadn't been washed in a week. Because of the stunt Tallulah pulled, he was completely blacklisted from the industry. No one would hire him, and he couldn't even get a visa approved to leave the country. After he had drained his bank accounts to pay off his girlfriend's debts, she had packed her bags and vanished.

His life was over. And Tallulah was the one who had pulled the trigger.

Seeing his unhinged, filthy appearance, Tallulah instinctively took a step back, wrapping her arms defensively over her pregnant belly.