The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 346

Brianna glanced around, surprised to see only one person. “And you are? Hasn’t Mr. Covington arrived yet?”

“Oh, you mean Holden? As far as I’m concerned, the only Mr. Covington is the heir to the Covington Group, the lady of the family. She’s out of town at the moment, which is why Holden is handling this,” Wisteria replied evasively, her gaze filled with undisguised contempt.

She had heard the whole story from Nova. Brianna and Jotham were a disgusting pair. Not content with emotionally tormenting people, they had now stolen Ramona’s research data for a partnership with the Covington Group. What kind of fool was the head of Gallop Inc. to fall for a woman like this?

Wisteria had a short fuse. If Nova hadn’t told her that Ramona wanted them to stay out of it, she would have already marched over and slapped the both of them. As it happened, she had just gotten a call from Yancey asking her to keep an eye on Brianna and Holden and stall them for a bit. Ramona had contacted Yancey that morning, and he was now on his way to the Covington Group to represent her at the signing.

“I see. So, Ms. Huxley, were you sent by Ms. Covington to—”

“I’m here to keep you company on Holden’s behalf. Ms. Prescott, have you had lunch? It’s that time of day. A little coffee isn’t enough, is it?” Wisteria cut her off. She stood up and noticed a cup of coffee and a pastry next to Brianna. The pastry had a large bite taken out of it, smudged with lipstick.

Brianna could sense Wisteria’s hostility, but this was the Covington Group. Despite her confusion, she didn’t want to cause trouble. “It’s fine, I’ll eat after we’re done. Don’t worry about me, Ms. Huxley. You can go about your business.”

“I can’t do that. How could I neglect our distinguished guest? I’ll treat you. My treat.”

Wisteria had no idea how to properly stall someone. Her first instinct was always to just punch a person like this. As a result, she didn't realize how forced and aggressive her tone was. Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed Brianna’s arm.

Brianna, of course, resisted. “Ms. Huxley, what are you doing? Let go of me!”

“I’m taking you to lunch!” Wisteria said coldly, twisting Brianna’s arm. Brianna’s slender arm couldn’t take the pressure. She cried out in pain, grabbing the edge of the table as they struggled.

“If you don’t stop, I’m going to scream for help!”

In the midst of the struggle, an idea struck Wisteria. She deliberately knocked over the coffee cup, sending its contents splashing all over Brianna. Brianna was wearing a white dress, and a large, dark stain spread across her midsection. Wisteria abruptly let go. Both women stumbled back; Wisteria hit the corner of the table, while Brianna crashed into a chair, frantically dabbing at her shirt.

“You bitch—” Brianna started to curse, but swallowed the words. Breathing heavily, she shot Wisteria a venomous glare.

Hearing the commotion, people rushed in from outside. A project manager from Gallop Inc. saw Brianna’s predicament and asked in confusion, “Ms. Prescott, what happened?”

The changing room was in the employee lounge area. It wasn't completely soundproof, but after lunch, the lounge was deserted. Brianna could scream her lungs out, and no one would hear.

Outside the door, Wisteria listened to Brianna frantically calling her name while she calmly texted Yancey.

*“Done. Take your time.”*

This woman was more trouble than she was worth. Since the soft approach hadn't worked, she’d resorted to force. With Brianna locked in the changing room, Yancey could take as long as he needed.

When the scheduled signing time approached, Holden arrived at the conference room to find the Gallop Inc. team there, but Brianna was missing. She was the one signing the contract, so they had to wait. Holden sat down quietly.

The Gallop Inc. team grew anxious. Brianna had left in such a hurry she’d even forgotten her phone. After a while, they uneasily mentioned that she had been led away by a female employee.

Holden’s suspicion was immediately piqued. “A female employee? Which one?”