The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 452

Winona froze. Then the older woman's true intentions dawned on her. If she actually became Margaret's daughter, any romantic future with Stefan would be dead in the water.

This old lady was quite the schemer. Unfortunately for her, Winona and Stefan were already legally married. She was about to be very disappointed.

While Margaret loathed the idea of claiming Winona as a daughter, she had to admit her mother's tactic was brilliant. Trapping the girl in the role of a sister would completely sever any chance of her advancing a relationship with Stefan.

Winona let out a soft laugh. "I appreciate the thought, Mrs. Shepherd. But I'm in love with Stefan. I have no interest in being his sister."

Glenda's smile vanished instantly, her gaze turning sharp. "Not his sister? Do you actually think you're qualified to be his wife? Let me be blunt: even for a beautiful, accomplished girl from a prominent family like Ophelia, marrying him would be a massive step up. What makes you think you're good enough?"

Winona kept her tone neutral. "That's your opinion, not his. Besides, I've never tried to climb the social ladder. I've said it before: I don't want anything from his family. I only want him."

Glenda had assumed that a girl from a humble background would be easily intimidated. A little pressure, and she was supposed to back off. She certainly didn't expect Winona to be so sharp-tongued and completely unafraid.

But Glenda had torn apart her own daughter's first marriage; breaking up this little romance would be child's play.

Her tone turned threatening. "I've seen plenty of girls like you. All it takes is a little pressure on you and your family, and you'll know when to quit."

Winona had seen these tricks a million times. The Locke family had constantly used her relatives as leverage against her. She used to be scared because Yulen Locke had never once stood by her side.

But now, she didn't fear Glenda in the slightest. She knew Stefan would choose her without a second thought. Being truly loved gave a person real confidence.

She replied breezily, "If you lay a finger on my family, I'll advise Stefan to walk away from the Goddards entirely. You probably don't know this, but he's already told me that if he has to choose between his family and me, he chooses me."

Glenda stared in disbelief. She couldn't fathom her grandson saying such a thing.

Margaret's eyes went red with fury. Her own son was willing to abandon their legacy for some woman?

Seeing them practically choking on their rage, Winona decided she was done playing games. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

Winona scoffed. "He's my man, yet you keep trying to throw yourself at him. Who's the shameless one here?"

Ignoring the other woman's curses, Winona stepped inside and shut the door firmly behind her.

The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom.

Pushing the door open, she found Stefan standing amidst a cloud of cold mist.

She called his name softly.

He looked up, his eyes burning with a dark, almost uncontrollable desire.

She stepped forward, but he immediately held up a hand. "Winona, don't come closer."