The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 362

“Wisteria, don’t forget that I am your legal guardian. You’d better think carefully before you take that step out the door.” He knew her too well. She was a paper tiger. She put on a show of being fierce and prickly, but inside, she was incredibly fragile. She couldn’t give up the inheritance her mother left her, and she certainly didn't have the strength to escape their control.

Yancey, on the other hand, was the opposite. He seemed obedient on the surface, but he had a rebellious streak a mile wide. His friendship with Wisteria was guided by his own heart, and no one could sway him.

“…”

Wisteria’s gaze locked with Yancey’s. Her feet felt light, almost floating, as she allowed him to lead her out of the room.

“Stop!” Harlan’s voice boomed again.

Faye couldn’t stand it either, but she adopted a softer tone. “Wisteria, it’s so late. No matter what grievances you have with us, you shouldn’t just leave with an outsider. If word gets out, it will only ruin your reputation further.”

That remark hit its mark. The Huxleys were like a pit of quicksand she was half-buried in; the more she struggled, the deeper she sank.

Solenne sneered. “Mom, just let her go. Where is Yancey going to take her? To the Covington estate? A hotel? I seem to recall Fenton forbidding Yancey from seeing her again. She can stay away for a night or two, but can she stay away forever?”

Without the Huxley family, Wisteria was nothing. They had spent years clipping her wings, and she had alienated plenty of people in their social circle. Right now, living with the Huxleys felt unbearable to her. But what would happen when her mother’s inheritance was gone and she no longer had the family’s protection? Wouldn’t life be even harder?

She could rely on Yancey, but for how long? Did she really think he would marry her?

The Huxleys’ words were casual, but they were enough to make Wisteria’s defenses crumble. She tugged on Yancey’s arm again.

“Yancey, thank you, but you should go.”

“…”

Wisteria kept her head down, listening to the sound of his footsteps moving away. A heavy stone seemed to settle in her heart, burying all her foolish, unworthy hopes. She had always been an unlovable person. Even she hated herself. How could someone like Yancey possibly stay by her side?

She trusted him, but she couldn’t trust herself.

“…”

But just as her despair reached its peak, Yancey’s coat settled over her shoulders. His warm hand gripped her arm once more.

“No answer means yes. Unless you tell me no, I’m taking you with me tonight.”

Wisteria looked up at him in astonishment. With a gentle pull, he drew her to his side and firmly led her away.