The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 232

Sheldon: "It's a deal, then. I'll add you privately in a bit and send over the interview schedule and location. Don't worry, our recruiting events are all set up on weekends, so it won't interfere with your day job."

Winona: "Sounds good."

Exiting the chat, Winona picked up her glass and took another sip of water.

Stefan, who had been chatting idly with an executive beside her, turned his attention back when she finished texting. "Mr. Falconer and Mr. Sheffield have spearheaded national-level research initiatives. If you ever run into roadblocks, don't hesitate to reach out to them. They have a deep appreciation for real talent. Seeing how long they spoke with you just now, it's clear they hold you in high regard. I have no doubt you'll go incredibly far in this industry."

Winona looked at him in surprise.

She had assumed he brought her to this dinner solely because he needed a social buffer or someone to handle the networking pleasantries. She never imagined he was actively paving the way for her career.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say. "Thank you, Stefan," she finally murmured, genuine gratitude in her voice.

Stefan chuckled softly. "Don't thank me, Winona. Your talent deserves a much larger stage. You deserve to be seen by the world."

Winona froze, staring at him. "Why do you have so much faith in my abilities?"

It was true she had learned a great deal about medicine from her grandfather since childhood, and she had maintained top grades throughout university. But no one had ever told her she was destined for something greater.

Nikita only wanted her to get married, have kids, and play house.

Yulen wanted her to be a submissive, stay-at-home wife—preferably hidden away, acting as his silent support system while he conquered the world.

But Stefan's expectations were entirely different.

He genuinely wanted her to build a career. He wanted her to have a brilliant future.

Stefan didn't answer her question; he only offered a gentle smile.

Ophelia finished her piano performance and stepped off the stage. Seeing that Stefan's eyes hadn't flickered toward her once—and that his entire focus was completely zeroed in on Winona—a bitter wave of jealousy and resentment washed over her.

Margaret squeezed her hand, offering a comforting pat. "Don't be discouraged, Ophelia. Stefan is just temporarily blinded. Sooner or later, he'll realize that you are the only woman suited to be his wife."

She whipped around to see a furious Yulen.

"Winona, that is enough. I let you get a job, which was already incredibly generous of me, and now you have the nerve to flaunt yourself in front of Stefan? Do you even have a shred of respect left for me?"

She looked at his enraged face, her own expression chillingly calm.

"I am not your property. Whether I work or not has nothing to do with you, and it certainly doesn't require your permission. Furthermore, my interactions with Mr. Goddard are standard professional networking. I don't see anything wrong with them."

Seeing her act so indifferent only threw gasoline on the fire burning in his chest.

He couldn't fathom why she was constantly rebelling against him lately.

If he had known this would happen, he never would have let her leave the house to work!

"Winona, you don't actually think Stefan genuinely cares about you, do you?" Yulen sneered. "Men at these events just mess around with women for fun. It's a game. If you're stupid enough to take it seriously, you're going to get played!"