The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 145

Winona hadn’t made it far from the villa when Stefan emerged. “Ms. Jowett, I’ll take you home,” he said, his tone still cool. She hesitated for a moment before getting into the car.

The driver started the engine. Winona sat beside Stefan, acutely aware of his silence. She stole a furtive glance in his direction. His profile was striking, like a masterpiece sculpted by a divine hand.

He opened his eyes and turned to meet her gaze. “What are you looking at, Ms. Jowett?”

Caught staring, a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She turned away, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m only human. When I see someone attractive, I can’t help but look. I’m sure you’re used to appreciative glances, Mr. Goddard.”

She hoped he would recognize the compliment for what it was—an attempt to smooth over her embarrassment. A man like him must have heard countless flatteries and would surely think nothing of it.

Stefan raised an eyebrow, taking her words as a flirtation.

Feeling his intense gaze on her, Winona swallowed nervously. “Is your work primarily focused in Riverton lately, Mr. Goddard?” she asked, changing the subject. She saw him at the branch office so often—didn't he need to be at the headquarters?

Stefan smiled, his eyes holding a deep, inscrutable look. “Are you that interested in me, Ms. Jowett?”

Winona’s heart began to race again for no reason. What did he mean, ‘interested in him’? That wasn’t her intention at all.

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

Just then, Stefan’s phone rang. He answered it, and after listening to the person on the other end, he turned to her. “Can you do me a favor?”

Without hesitation, Winona nodded. “Okay.” He had helped her so many times; of course, she would return the favor.

Stefan chuckled softly. “You don’t even know what the favor is, and you’ve already agreed?”

Stefan wrapped an arm around Winona’s waist and smiled. “She’s a bit shy. Mr. Maddox, don’t scare her off.”

As he pulled her into his embrace, her face began to burn.

Mr. Maddox continued to tease him. “I was starting to think you were a confirmed bachelor. After you broke off your engagement with the Mallory family’s daughter, so many people wanted to set you up. My own niece was asking if you were single. What a shame, she’s too late now.”

Winona was seated next to Stefan. She felt out of place listening to their business talk and nervously sipped her juice.

Across the table, a young woman in a sharp business suit was staring at her with unconcealed hostility. Winona pretended not to notice, focusing on her role as the quiet, obedient girlfriend.

As the evening wore on, Stefan seemed to have had too much to drink.