The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 569

Back in Riverton, Winona threw herself into her work at the lab.

Seeing the viral video of Winona riding horses in the capital, Eloise couldn't resist making a snide comment loudly across the room. "The project is practically stalled, and some people are taking vacations to go horseback riding. Talk about zero work ethic."

Winona didn't even blink, entirely ignoring the bait. Engaging with Eloise's toxic jealousy was a waste of breath. Her time was better spent on the data.

Killian, however, wasn't having it. "Knock it off, Eloise. Winona took approved PTO, and she hasn't missed a single deadline. Mr. Harper also said that balancing work and family time is critical. Stop trying to poison the team dynamic."

Eloise scowled, infuriated that Killian was defending Winona again, but she slammed her laptop shut and stayed quiet.

At eight o'clock that night, Winona finally left the building. As she approached the elevator bank in her apartment complex, she saw Yulen standing there, his eyes dark and chaotic.

Winona immediately pivoted toward the secondary elevator, having zero desire to share a confined space with him.

Yulen quickly stepped into her path. "You went to the capital with Stefan."

"That is none of your business," she replied coldly.

Yulen let out a patronizing sigh. "I talked to my connections. He didn't even introduce you to his family at the most important event of the year. He's just playing you, Winona. Cut your losses before you get hurt."

Winona didn't even bother correcting him. She and Stefan were legally married now. She didn't owe Yulen an explanation about her own husband.

"My life is my own concern. Back off."

"Winona!"

The elevator chimed and the doors slid open. Winona stepped inside without a backward glance. Yulen moved to block the doors, but his phone suddenly blared. It was his sister, Camille. He checked the caller ID, cursed under his breath, and backed away to take the call as the doors slid shut in his face.

*

With Jericho Harper still in the hospital, Winona and Killian had to step up and attend the high-level academic conferences in his place.

Winona had been invited to speak at the highly prestigious AI-Empowered Drug Discovery & Development Symposium hosted by the city. The speech required a deep dive into AI integration, so she reached out to Forrest Kane for some expert insights.

Forrest was incredibly helpful, breaking down complex algorithms and sending over exclusive research materials.

Stefan pulled her by the waist, wrapping his arms around her. "I sleep better when you're next to me."

Winona smiled softly, running her fingers through his hair, and let it go.

*

The day of the symposium arrived.

Winona took the stage in a sharply tailored, dark suit. Bathed in the spotlight, she commanded the room with absolute authority, her presentation flawless and brilliant.

Sitting in the audience, Yulen stared at her, utterly mesmerized. She was evolving at an astonishing pace. The timid, dependent woman he used to know was completely gone. She felt like a stranger now—a dazzling, untouchable stranger.

When she finished to roaring applause, she stepped off the stage and immediately fell into deep conversation with two prominent industry titans.

Sitting next to Yulen, Giselle leaned over. "Winona really is a genius. It's such a shame she refuses to collaborate with the Locke Group. We could have expedited our timeline by months with her on board."