The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 500

Wynne typed back, "Yes, they just left."

Seconds later, Ryder's name flashed across her screen as he called her directly. "I'm boarding the jet around six tonight. Try to get some rest this afternoon. I'll be home to keep you company by dinner."

Wynne let out a heavy, melancholy sigh. "They're all grown up. They don't need a mother hovering over them or taking care of them anymore. I just... I wish I had found them sooner."

Ryder's voice was warm and grounding. "They've grown into strong, healthy, and remarkable adults. That's a victory in itself, Wynne. As parents, isn't our only real hope that our children thrive? Whether they're clinging to our sides or standing on their own, the love is the same."

Wynne nodded, a soft smile finally breaking through her sadness. "You're right. Just knowing where they are is more than I ever could have asked for."

***

Winona and Stefan swung by the penthouse to grab Biscuit before driving to the veterinary clinic.

Biscuit had grown significantly, but his sheer terror of the vet remained fully intact. He thrashed so wildly on the exam table that two vet techs couldn't hold him down.

Finally, Stefan stepped in. With practiced ease, he pinned the squirming dog against his chest, firmly securing his paw so the vet could administer the shot.

Once it was over, Biscuit let out a pathetic, dramatic whimper.

Winona's heart melted. She scooped him out of Stefan's arms, burying her face in his fur and whispering soothing praise.

"I'm going to ask the vet for some probiotics to help settle his stomach. Wait right here," Stefan said, heading toward the pharmacy counter.

Winona nodded.

The second Stefan was out of earshot, Biscuit stopped his brave act and began wailing loudly, milking the situation for all the sympathy he could get.

Winona couldn't help but laugh. The little manipulator knew exactly what he was doing—behaving like a perfect soldier for Stefan, but throwing an absolute tantrum the second he was in her arms.

Suddenly, the clinic doors swung open, and Tallulah Shipley strutted in, flanked by two nannies carrying a pair of stunning purebred cats. She had brought them in explicitly to snap a few photos for her social media, desperately trying to maintain her perfect, wealthy socialite image.

Spotting Winona coddling what looked like an ugly little mutt, Tallulah couldn't resist the urge to gloat. "You're living with Stefan Goddard, and he can't even front the cash for a designer breed? Giving you some cheap street dog... he really is tight-fisted when it comes to you, isn't he?"

Winona looked up, her expression flattening into total indifference.

Behind Tallulah, the nannies were awkwardly clutching the two gorgeous white cats. It was a shame such beautiful animals belonged to someone so deeply unpleasant.

"My dog is none of your business," Winona said coldly.

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