Chapter 1781
Richard also rushed over to greet her. “Winona, what a wonderful surprise p>
Winona smiled brightly.
“It’s your birthday, Richard. I had to come celebrate with you p>
“My parents couldn’t make it to Jindale City, so they asked me to bring this for you. They wish you a happy birthday and a long, healthy life p>
Richard was thrilled, accepting the gift with both hands.
“I know they’ve been busy. Your father called me just last night. The thought alone means the world to me, but having you here in person makes me even happier.” Janelle was equally overjoyed. She took Winona’s hand, her face lighting up.
“We asked Keaton about you just yesterday, and he said you were too busy to come. I can’t believe you showed up. You little trickster, surprising us like this p>
Winona’s smile softened with a hint of playfulness.
“I wanted it to be a surprise p>
Noticing that Winona’s hands were now empty, Mrs. Sewell couldn’t resist an opportunity to humiliate her.
“Ms. Newsom, your parents sent a gift for Mr. Huber, but what about you? What did you bring him p>
Mrs. Miller immediately piled on with a mocking sneer.
“You’re a grown woman. Surely you didn’t come empty-handed p>
“Didn’t your parents teach you basic manners? Does the Newsom family lack basic etiquette p>
Janelle’s brow furrowed defensively.
“Winona is part of the Newsom family, and they have already presented their gift. Even the hosts don’t mind. Why are you being so critical? Are you just trying to embarrass a young woman p>
Mrs. Sewell rolled her eyes.
“Young woman? She’s clearly showing. That baby has to be a few months along by now p>
Mrs. Miller added sharply.
“I haven’t heard any news of Ms. Newsom getting married. Who exactly is the father p>
Seeing them target Winona,
Keaton’s face darkened the He
stepped forward to tear into
bur Winona grabbed his arm
She pulled Keaton behind her.
Facing Mrs. Sewell and Mrs. Miller, she remained perfectly calm, a serene smile still on her lips.
“You’re right,” Winona said smoothly. “I am a grown woman, and I
absolutely should have
ạ
personal gift for Richard. My parents reminded me as well p>
“But I really didn’t know what to get him, so I figured… why not give him a grandchild p>
Mrs. Sewell and Mrs. Miller’s triumphant smiles shattered. They froze. “Give him a what p>
Winona gently placed a hand on her baby bump, her smile radiant. “A grandchild.” The two women stared at her in absolute shock, leaping to their feet.
Without giving them another glance, Winona turned to Richard.
“Richard, I didn’t want to say anything earlier because it was still so early in the pregnancy and I wanted to be cautious p>
“Once the baby was safe, I thought I’d wait for your birthday to give you the ultimate surprise p>
“The baby I’m carrying is your biological grandchild. You’re going to be a grandfather p>
The entire room went dead silent.
Richard’s eyes widened to the size of saucers, his jaw practically hitting the floor. “What… what did you just say p>
Winona chuckled softly. “You have a grandchild. You’re a grandfather p>
Richard was speechless.
Janelle stopped breathing entirely. Her wide eyes darted from Winona’s face to her rounded belly.
Finally, she looked at Keaton. Her voice shook violently. “Keaton p>
Keaton was just as stunned, but his brain quickly scrambled for an explanation. He assumed Winona was acting to save his family’s pride against the vicious socialites,
claiming him as a stand-in father.
Just as he was about to nod and play along, Winona locked eyes with him.
“You’re not just taking the credit,” she said firmly. “This is your own flesh and blood p>
Keaton’s brain short-circuited. Huh p>