The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 348

Wisteria’s face flushed. Without a second thought, she ran toward him. Holden’s men tried to grab her, but Yancey was faster, opening his arms and pulling her safely behind him.

“What’s this? Does the Covington Group only recognize one Mr. Covington now?” Yancey said, his cold gaze sweeping over Holden’s men. His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

The men immediately lowered their heads. “Of course not.”

Brianna didn’t know who the newcomer was, but from the way everyone reacted, she could tell he was someone important from the Covington family. But why would a Covington protect Wisteria, a troublemaking junior employee?

Just as Yancey shielded Wisteria, Nova’s figure came into Holden’s view. She had followed Yancey, standing at the back of his entourage. Her face was flushed, and her eyes darted around nervously. Holden knew instantly that she must have been the one who brought Yancey here.

And he was right. Nova was well-connected within the company. The moment Holden started looking for Wisteria, word had reached her. She realized Wisteria was in trouble, and since Yancey had just arrived, she led him straight to the scene. Seeing that Wisteria was unharmed, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Watching Yancey play the hero while Nova looked on with smug satisfaction, Holden’s anger boiled over.

He stepped forward with a cold smile. “Yancey, since when does someone who doesn’t even work for the Covington Group get to meddle in its affairs? Who gave you that authority? Do you have any idea who Wisteria just offended?”

Yancey stood his ground, unfazed. He met Holden’s taunts with a faint, dismissive smile. His calm demeanor and natural, refined charisma stood in stark contrast to Holden’s forced aggression, making it clear who held the upper hand.

“My authority,” Yancey said calmly, “was granted to me by the current heir of the Covington Group, Ms. Jarrett.”

The name “Ms. Jarrett” sent a jolt through Brianna. *Ms. Jarrett, the Covington heiress, has the last name Jarrett?* An image of Ramona flashed through her mind, and goosebumps broke out on her skin. But she quickly laughed at her own foolishness. Impossible. How could Ramona be the heiress of the Covington Group? It had to be a coincidence. She was being too sensitive.

“As for Wisteria offending a company client… you’re mistaken. Everything Wisteria did was on my orders. Holden, if you have a problem, you can take it up with me.”

Yancey’s words were cool and deliberate. Standing behind him, Wisteria felt her heart pound in her chest—not because of the tense atmosphere, but because the sound of his voice made her feel safe and happy. Even after the humiliation she had just endured, it was all worth it.

The Yancey she used to know was truly different now. He had grown up, transformed from a quiet, obedient boy who relied on adults into a strong, brave man who could stand on his own. And she… she felt like she was still stuck in the same place, the same reckless, impulsive girl who always made mistakes. The gap between them was undeniable. Wisteria knew better than anyone that standing next to him, her pride vanished.

“The partnership between the Covington Group and Gallop Inc. was decided long ago. Benedict himself entrusted my mother, Melinda, with overseeing it. Even Ramona can’t let a personal grudge interfere with the company’s business, can she?”

Holden had known Ramona wouldn’t sit back and do nothing when she found out about Brianna. He just hadn’t expected her to send Yancey. If she couldn’t stop the signing herself, what good would Yancey be?

The man’s slow, deliberate words didn’t faze Yancey or his group, but they drained the color from Brianna’s face. Had she misheard? Who did he say? Ramona?

*Ramona????*

“Mr. Covington… what was the name you just said… Ms. Jarrett’s first name?” Brianna couldn't hold it in any longer. Her body felt numb, and she forced the words out through gritted teeth, praying she had heard wrong.

Holden let out a short, sharp breath. “What, Jotham didn’t tell you? Ms. Jarrett is Ramona. She’s Benedict’s daughter, the sole heir to the Covington Group. Ms. Prescott, you and our Ms. Jarrett go way back, don’t you?”