The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 361

Yancey’s every word landed with the force of a hammer.

He stared down Harlan, his silent gaze unsettling. Harlan felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. Yancey was, after all, a Covington, and he had no desire to make an enemy of him. Besides, if this blew up, the scandal would tarnish their family’s reputation more than anyone’s.

It would only give Wisteria more leverage.

Faye was just as frustrated. She’d never imagined Yancey would be this close to Wisteria. They might dare to use force on Wisteria, but they couldn't exactly tie up Yancey, could they?

“Harlan, I feel obligated to remind you that Wisteria isn’t just an employee at the Covington Group anymore,” Yancey said, sensing the older man’s hesitation. “She is also a friend of Ramona’s. And behind Ramona, you have not only the Covington Group but the Jordon Group as well. Surely you don’t want to make enemies of so many powerful people over one person?”

Yancey had already guessed the reason for the Huxley family’s attack on Wisteria today. They had always been close with Melinda. But times had changed. The old strategy of playing both sides to protect oneself was no longer viable.

With that, Yancey reached for the doorknob. The bodyguards tensed and took a step forward, and Solenne opened her mouth to protest, but Harlan remained silent.

Without any order to stop him, Yancey strode right into Wisteria’s bedroom.

His memory of her room was frozen in their university days, when it was still a side bedroom connected to a study. Not much had changed. Her bedroom was stark and minimalist, containing only a bed, a small desk and chair in the corner, and a wardrobe. Even a decent rental apartment would have more furniture.

Wisteria was standing just inside the doorway. When she saw Yancey, her eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and worry. He immediately noticed the bruise at the corner of her mouth and the faint handprint on her cheek.

It was that very warmth that always made Wisteria feel deeply inadequate. She instinctively pulled her hand away. “Yancey, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. If Fenton finds out…”

Fenton had forbidden Yancey from getting close to her again. But that was just an excuse; she herself didn’t dare. She was afraid of his warmth, afraid that, just like before, she wouldn’t be able to resist it. Falling from the light back into darkness was the most terrifying thing of all. She had spent years getting used to his absence.

Besides, they could never go back to the way they were as kids. Back then, she might have had a sliver of confidence, a foolish hope that maybe, one day… she might be worthy of standing by his side.

“My father is my father, and I am me,” Yancey said, grabbing her hand again. He felt her flinch but refused to let go. “If this house isn't a home, then you don't need anyone's permission to leave.”

Harlan watched Wisteria coldly. Seeing the flicker of panic in her eyes, he took half a step back, clearing the path.