The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 236

"Stefan, you're too confident," Hayes said, his voice laced with concern.

Stefan thought of Evander lying in the hospital bed with his eyes closed, and that suffocating tightness in his chest returned.

"I'm not the same Stefan I was seven years ago. If I can't protect the people I care about this time, then my position at the head of Goddard Group is nothing but a joke."

*

For the past few days, Winona hadn't received a single message from Stefan.

She used to run into him at the entrance when she came to work, but now, he was nowhere to be seen.

The thought that he might be at the hospital taking care of Ophelia left a hollow ache in her chest. But she also knew that Ophelia had saved Margaret. It only made sense for Stefan to look after her.

Shaking off the messy tangle of emotions, Winona forced herself to focus entirely on her work.

At noon, she went to the cafeteria for lunch and overheard several female colleagues chatting at the next table.

"I heard Mr. Goddard and Ms. Powell are getting close to tying the knot. Goddard Group is going to have a new leading lady soon."

"I heard that too! Mr. Goddard custom-ordered over a dozen designer wedding gowns worth a fortune, bought five luxury estates in the city for them, and even planned a massive drone light show for the proposal. It's so romantic."

"He hasn't even been coming into the office lately. He's been at the hospital keeping Ms. Powell company. Who knew a workaholic like Mr. Goddard had such a sweet, attentive side?"

Winona listened to their gossip, her expression remaining cool and indifferent.

She finished her meal in silence and was about to leave the cafeteria when Tallulah suddenly blocked her path, a mocking glint in her eyes.

"You must be so disappointed, Winona," Tallulah sneered. "You tried so hard to hook Mr. Goddard, but he never even took you seriously. Now he's turning around and getting engaged to Ms. Powell. I told you a long time ago—a woman with your background is only fit to be a plaything. Dreaming of using a pretty face to climb the social ladder? Pathetic."

Winona stared coldly at Tallulah's stomach, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tallulah, you're going to start showing soon, aren't you? I wonder, once that baby is born, will Yulen have the guts to look me in the eye and admit he's the father? Don't you think it's hilarious? You're the one married to Yulen, yet you have to sneak around like you're worse than a mistress. You should save your pity for yourself and your unborn child."

Tallulah felt a sharp pain in her chest. Yulen had been constantly reminding her to keep a low profile lately so Winona wouldn't catch on, and it infuriated her.

Winona hummed in acknowledgment. "I remember. I won't be late."

"Great. I'll wait for you at the entrance of the main complex."

*

Saturday morning, Winona arrived at Riverton University's medical school and found the entrance lined with corporate vehicles, the grounds bustling with students dressed in sharp business attire.

They were clearly candidates from all over, flocking to the various companies hosting interviews.

Just as Winona was about to head in, she spotted Tallulah and Sylvan a short distance away.

Not wanting to deal with either of them, she pivoted and entered through a different set of doors.

She reached the designated meeting spot but couldn't see Sheldon. Before she could look for him, a warm voice called out.