The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 456

Later, when Evander and Roxana were born, they got all the love and attention. Even when I moved back in with them, there was always a wall between us. But I was close to my siblings. They were pure-hearted and treated me far better than my parents ever did."

If Stefan hadn't proven to be exceptionally brilliant, his parents probably would have preferred Evander to take over the family legacy.

Winona realized how remarkably similar their backgrounds were. Neither had experienced much parental affection; both had been raised by their grandparents.

She wrapped her arms around him, offering a warm smile. "Well, you have me now. I'm going to love you so much."

He hugged her back tightly.

It was true. They had each other now.

*

At the official launch press conference for the new drug ALX-314, Winona took the stage as the lead researcher to present its capabilities.

With her striking beauty, elegant demeanor, and undeniable expertise, she instantly commanded the room. Dozens of reporters flocked to interview her.

Standing off-stage, Stefan watched her, his eyes filled with immense pride and admiration.

Jericho Harper, standing next to him, chuckled. "You're the CEO of the Goddard Group. You're really not going up there to say a few words?"

Stefan smiled. "Tonight is her stage. I'm not going to steal her spotlight."

If he went up there, the media would inevitably twist the narrative to focus on his company's corporate strategy rather than her scientific achievement. He wasn't going to let that happen.

Jericho laughed heartily. "So you're perfectly fine with my protégé and our lab taking all the glory?"

Stefan raised an eyebrow. "I don't mind at all. That's my wife. Her success is my greatest honor."

Jericho blinked, surprised by how easily and proudly Stefan embraced the role of a supportive husband. It was a side of the ruthless CEO he never expected to see.

If she truly was the mastermind behind this groundbreaking drug, losing her was an absolutely catastrophic blow to the Locke family.

The thought made his hands clench into tight fists.

*

After the press conference, several major pharmaceutical giants and prestigious research labs extended lucrative offers to Winona. She politely declined them all, having no intention of leaving Mr. Harper's team.

That evening, she attended a celebratory dinner with her research team. With the project completed, she would be returning to the lab full-time, meaning her days at the Goddard Group were over for now.

Nolan Archer looked genuinely bummed. "I wish you were officially on our R&D payroll. I'm half-tempted to poach you right now."

Winona laughed softly. "I'm sure we'll have more chances to collaborate in the future."

After dinner, the group exited their private dining room—only to run straight into Sylvan Scully and Quentin Vance, who were having dinner with Tallulah.