Chapter 3
By the time evening rolled around. Tyson strolled out of the office, his suit jacket draped casually over his arm.
Winona had just gotten to her feet when he said, “I have a dinner meeting tonight. You go on home:”–”
Dinner meeting? That was news to her.
She looked up at him. His gaze was as tender and captivating as ever–so convincing, it almost made her doubt herself for suspecting him.
In the past, she would have taken his word for it, no questions asked.
“Alright” Winona replied, her voice a carefully neutral mask. “Just go easy on the drinks, okay?”
Tyson reached out and ruffled her hair, flashing a smile. Whatever you say.”
Winona ordered a ride and quietly followed Tyson’s car.
They ended up at the airport.8
The terminal was bustling, but she spotted Tyson instantly. He stood out: tall, striking, dressed in a tailored black suit that only emphasized his quiet elegance.
But what caught her attention wasn’t just him–it was the woman with long hair who threw herself into his arms. Tyson didn’t pull away. Instead, he wrapped her up in a tight embrace, their bodies pressed close.
They looked, for all the world, like a picture–perfect couple
When they finally broke apart, the woman rose on tiptoe, clearly angling for a kiss. Tyson turned his face away, said something Winona couldn’t hear, but the woman was persistent Eventually, her lips found his, and the two kissed deeply, right there in the middle of the crowd.
Watching it, Winona’s stomach twisted.
Shock hit her harder than disgust.
The woman was Tyson’s adopted sister–Celia Goodwin.
Celia had lost her parents at three, and because her family had been close to the Goodwins for generations, they’d taken her in. She and Tyson had grown up together as siblings. Back when Winona and Tyson first got together, he’d introduced them. Cella had been sweet, calling her “sister–in–law at every tum.!!
Three years ago, Celia moved abroad.
Never in Winona’s wildest dreams did she imagine that the “siblings had become lovers–and even had a marriage certificate to prove it. So that car accident was Cella the one behind it?
What stunned Winona more was Tyson bringing Celia home that very night!
He acted as if nothing were out of the ordinary. “Nona, my sister’s back in town. Shell be staying with us for a while.”
Winona’s hands clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.!!
She remembered the first time Tyson brought her to this house, holding her close and whispering. “Nona, this is our home now. Just for the two of us.1
She’d poured her heart into making this place their sanctuary–she’d overseen every detail, picked every piece of furniture.
And now, Tyson was walking another woman through the front door
“Good evening, Miss Thome, Celia greeted her with a smile, her eyes glinting with a barely concealed challenge.
Five years ago, she’d called her “sister–in–law” Now it was “Miss Thome,” as cold and formal as a stranger.
Tyson shot Celia a warning glance, but there was more exasperation and indulgence than reproach in his eyes. Winona realized just how utterly Tyson could trample her dignity.
If she hadn’t known the truth, she’d probably be playing the gracious hostess right now–how laughable, in their eyes.
“Tyson, do you think Miss Thome doesn’t want me here?” Celia’s voice wavered, her eyes filling with staged tears. “I know I’m intruding Maybe I should just stay at a hotel. Ill be fine on my own…”
Tyson instantly frowned at Winona, about to speak, but Winona cut in first. “It’s alright.”
His words died in his throat i
Winona’s tone was calm, almost detached. “Miss Goodwin, stay as long as you
like.“%
With that, she turned and walked back to her bedroom.
Celia still saw her as the enemy.
She didn’t realize that, at this point, Winona didn’t care about the house or Tyson anymore. If Celia was her enemy, it was only because of the accident, but Winona wasn’t about to tip her hand.
Celia felt unsettled. She’d expected Winona to make a scene with Tyson, not this quiet composure.”
But that was fine. Wait until Winona found out she was nothing but a stand–in Mrs. Goodwin–let’s see how long she could keep her cool then.
Tyson was uneasy, too. He followed Winona into the bedroom. “Nona, are you really not upset?”
He knew Winona never snapped at him, but he’d thought she might be a little hurt. After all, he’d once promised never to bring anyone else home without her blessing.”
“No, Winona said, her back to him, voice flat.
“I knew you’d be understanding.” Tyson said, slipping his arms around her from behind. His warm breath made her stiffen, but he didn’t notice. “Nona, Celia is my sister, so she’s your sister, too. Besides, I’m trying to work out a partnership with the Thornes, and Celia’s close with them..
“What did you say?” Winona interrupted, turning to face him. “Celia–close with the Thornes?”
Yeah, Tyson replied. “She made some good connections abroad. Matriarch Selma Thorne really likes her.”
Winona let out a sudden laugh.
Tyson stared at her, confused, but pressed on. “You know the Thomes are one of the top families. With Celia around, this partnership will be a lot easier.
“Wonderful, Winona said, smiling. Then let me congratulate you in advance, Mr. Goodwin, I hope you get everything you want.“]
