The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 227

"Stefan, your mother is in Riverton. Did you know?"

"I know," Stefan replied, his tone smooth and unbothered. "She texted me."

Hearing how utterly calm he sounded, Violet couldn't help but pry. "I assume you know exactly why she's there? Aren't you worried she's going to drive a wedge between you and Winona?"

"I have it handled, Grandma."

Violet relaxed against her pillows, reassured by his confidence. "Honestly, I think Winona is a much better fit for you than Ophelia. But your mother has always been a fool when it comes to this sort of thing. I doubt she'll listen to reason."

Before Stefan's disastrous previous engagement to Maeve Mallory, Violet had done her own digging. She'd found glaring red flags in Maeve's character and begged Margaret to reconsider the match.

But Margaret had been blinded by ambition. "Mother," she’d said, "high-society marriages are about strategic alliances. The Mallory family has been good to us, and they can elevate Stefan's position. Maeve is the perfect choice."

Of course, Maeve had gone on to make a series of spectacular, humiliating mistakes, eventually forcing the families to break the engagement.

Violet had hoped Margaret would learn her lesson and prioritize finding a woman of genuine substance and character for Stefan. Instead, she had latched onto Ophelia.

Just thinking about it made Violet want to sigh heavily.

**

Later that evening, as Winona was wrapping up her shift, her phone buzzed with a message from Hayes.

"Lachlan confessed. He admitted to everything he did to you. He'll be facing a judge soon."

Winona stared at the screen, genuinely stunned. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Had Stefan and Hayes threatened to feed him to the sharks or something to scare him straight?

Hayes: "Because Mr. Powell found out about the whole thing. He personally made some calls to ensure Lachlan faced the music."

Winona’s eyes widened.

She hadn't expected Mr. Powell to actually enforce justice on his own nephew.

It was a massive relief to know the Powell family wasn't going to protect a predator just to save face.

Hayes sent another message, complete with a dramatic sighing emoji: "I really respect Mr. Powell for keeping business and personal matters separate, but I've got to admit, I'm a little bummed we don't get to throw Lachlan into a fish tank. Takes all the fun out of it."

Winona smiled. "Well, let's see what the judge has to say. I owe you big time for helping with the case. Let me buy you dinner sometime when you're free."

Hayes fired back, "If you really want to thank someone, thank Stefan. I have a feeling he'd be thrilled to have dinner with you."

"Ms. Jowett, Mr. Goddard sent me to take you shopping for an outfit."

Winona blinked in surprise. "Is this a really formal event?"

Samantha nodded with a professional smile. "Very. Black-tie strictly enforced."

Thirty minutes later, they were standing inside an ultra-exclusive designer boutique.

Samantha moved with practiced efficiency, pulling a selection of breathtaking gowns, along with matching stilettos and delicate diamond jewelry.

"Right this way, Ms. Jowett," Samantha said, gesturing toward the plush fitting rooms.

Winona took the garments and slipped inside.

Samantha waited patiently by the velvet sofas.

Just then, Ophelia strolled into the boutique. Spotting the assistant, Ophelia offered a polished smile. "Samantha? What a surprise seeing you here."

"Ms. Powell," Samantha greeted her with a polite nod.

Ophelia's eyes darted to the racks of haute couture and the velvet trays of diamonds sitting near Samantha. A wave of confusion washed over her. She knew exactly what an executive assistant made—there was no way Samantha could afford this level of luxury.