The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 563

She eventually settled on a sleek blue dress paired with a light jacket.

"Stefan, you can't fight every battle for me. I need to handle some things on my own."

Despite her confidence, Stefan wasn't about to leave things to chance. He covertly texted Ezra and Waldo Vane, ordering them to shadow Winona closely and ensure Cheryl's clique didn't try anything out of line.

Winona caught his brooding reflection in the mirror and laughed softly. "Back in Riverton, Wynne would take me playing tennis, golfing, and horseback riding every single weekend. She always told me I picked things up faster than anyone else. She said that if I had grown up with the same resources as you, I'd have built an empire by now."

She turned to face him, her expression turning serious. "I used to be so timid. I backed down from conflicts and tried to make myself invisible. But I'm done shrinking. It's just horseback riding. Who says I'm going to lose to them?"

Stefan looked at her, entirely captivated by her newfound fire. Wynne really had poured an incredible amount of strength and confidence into Winona's life.

He reached out, gently smoothing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I know you won't lose."

The next morning, Winona arrived at the exclusive equestrian club. Cheryl was already there, flanked by Karina and a small entourage of elite heiresses. Cheryl introduced her to the group, playing the role of a gracious, welcoming friend. The other girls gave Winona barely concealed looks of disdain, but Winona remained perfectly composed, ignoring the silent judgment.

Just as they were heading toward the stables to select their mounts, three figures approached.

"That's my second uncle's daughter, Rosalind," Cheryl murmured to Winona. "And the two guys following her around like puppies are Lyle and Xavier."

It was painfully obvious that both men were hopelessly enamored with Rosalind Goddard. Winona studied the girl quietly. Unlike Cheryl and Karina's aggressive, flashy brand of wealth, Rosalind had a delicate, classical beauty. She looked fragile, giving off the aura of a vulnerable damsel in distress.

Rosalind noticed Winona and offered a soft, gentle greeting. "Welcome, Winona. It's nice to have you join us."

The two men by her side spared Winona a brief, dismissive glance before their attention snapped right back to Rosalind.

"Do you actually know how to ride?" Cheryl asked Winona.

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