The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 498

The brilliant metallic finish contrasted beautifully against her luminous skin.

"It looks perfect on you. Keep it on," Stefan said smoothly.

Winona immediately reached for the clasp. "Stefan, I can't wear something this flashy to the lab. It's way too high-profile."

Stefan didn't miss a beat. "If anyone asks, just tell them it's a really good knockoff."

Winona laughed, shaking her head. "Is that really appropriate?"

But realizing it was a sweet gesture, she relented and left it on her wrist.

When they got back to the penthouse, Stefan kissed her cheek. "I have some international calls to take. I'll join you in a bit."

"Go do your thing. Don't worry about me."

Winona headed to the master suite. She unclasped the luxury watch, removed her earrings and necklace, washed off her makeup, and stepped into a hot shower.

When she stepped out, her phone buzzed with a text from Wynne.

"Winona, I managed to book a fantastic local chef to cook for us at my place tomorrow. What time should I expect you and Stefan?"

Winona calculated the drive and replied, "We should be there around 11:00 AM."

"Wonderful. I'm so looking forward to it. Oh, and I invited another friend to join us. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all."

Winona thought the conversation was over, but a moment later, another text popped up:

"I saw the news today about your Distinguished Scientific Contributor Award. I am incredibly proud of you, Winona. Truly."

Unaware of the deep maternal affection behind the words, Winona assumed it was just a polite compliment from an older mentor and warmly replied, "Thank you so much!"

Setting her phone aside, Winona opened her laptop to review some project files.

Biscuit trotted over, flopping down next to her chair and aggressively chewing on a plush squeaky toy.

Winona smiled, reaching down to ruffle his ears before walking him to the kitchen for some water.

Inside, the maid checked the security feed and hurried to open the front door. She greeted them with a warm, welcoming smile. "Mr. Goddard, Ms. Jowett, Mr. Kane. Mrs. Powell has been eagerly waiting for you. Please, come right in!"

Willow frowned, insulted that she was being blatantly ignored. She stepped forward, her voice sharp with entitlement. "I am a very close friend of Wynne's. Go tell her I'm here to see her."

The maid's smile vanished. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but Mrs. Powell doesn't have many friends in Riverton. Unless she explicitly invited you, we have strict orders not to let anyone in."

Willow's face flushed with anger. "You haven't even asked her! How do you know she doesn't want to see me?"

The maid's tone grew exasperated. "If you're such good friends, why don't you just call her yourself? If she knows you're coming, she can just tell me to let you in."

Willow would have called her days ago—if she could. Yesterday, she had tried to text Wynne, only to discover her number had been completely blocked.

She couldn't figure out what she had done to offend Wynne, which was exactly why she was showing up unannounced to demand answers. But she never expected to be left standing on the porch like a common solicitor.

If this mysterious rift became permanent, would the Powell family stop funneling lucrative contracts to the Locke Group? She couldn't afford to lose Wynne as a financial lifeline.

Seeing Winona casually walking into Wynne's home, a paranoid theory took root in Willow's mind. Had Winona been bad-mouthing her to Wynne behind her back?

Furious, Willow pointed an accusing finger at Winona. "Did you do this? Are you the one poisoning Wynne against me?!"