The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 474

Winona was worried about leaving Helena alone, but she knew Greta shouldn't be subjected to this toxic environment. Greta stubbornly refused to budge, wanting to protect her mother.

Helena gently cupped her daughter's face. "Mom can handle her. Go home with Winona and finish your homework."

Reluctantly, Greta agreed. Before leaving, Winona quietly instructed Ezra Vane to stay behind and protect her aunt.

On the drive home, Winona bought some groceries to keep up appearances. When they walked in, Nikita noticed Greta's red-rimmed eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Did someone pick on you?"

Winona, busy washing vegetables, smoothly intervened. "Just a little argument with some kids. Don't worry about it."

Wanting to cheer Greta up, Nikita hurried to grab some snacks.

Winona quickly texted Ezra for an update.

Ezra replied, "The police arrived and mediated. The whole neighborhood backed your aunt. Cynthia got a stern warning and finally left."

Still concerned that Cynthia would return, Winona asked, "Can you stay and guard my aunt for the next few days?"

"Absolutely, Ma'am," Ezra confirmed. "People like Cynthia are cowards at heart. A few good scares from me, and she won't dare come back."

Helena didn't return until past eight that night.

"Why are you back so late?" Nikita asked.

"Just busy at the salon," Helena lied effortlessly.

After dinner, Winona and Helena stood in the kitchen washing the silverware, finally able to speak freely.

"What are you going to do?" Winona whispered.

"That old hag wants to destroy my business until I cave," Helena said through gritted teeth. "But I'd rather die than give in. I've been divorced from that scum for years. He never paid a dime in child support, and now he wants my daughter to be his live-in maid? He's delusional."

Maxine glanced at Ophelia Powell, who was seated next to Stefan. "Margaret mentioned you two might be getting married soon?"

Ophelia lowered her head, feigning shyness. Stefan's expression turned instantly freezing.

He had gone to the airport to pick up Yorke and Maxine, completely unaware that Ophelia had tagged along. Not wanting to cause a scene in front of his elders, he had allowed her to ride with them. But he refused to let this misunderstanding fester.

"Ophelia and I have absolutely no plans to marry," Stefan stated coldly. "I already have someone I love."

The color drained from Ophelia's face. Yorke and Maxine exchanged an awkward glance, but being open-minded, they quickly smiled. "Well, that's wonderful news, Stefan. It's about time you settled down."

Stefan poured Maxine a cup of tea, his voice softening. "Maxine, I actually need to ask you for a favor."

Maxine chuckled. "It's rare for you to ask for help, Stefan. Name it."