The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 368

Ramona immediately called Harlan. She was already aware of Wisteria's situation and would have confronted the Huxleys even if Yancey hadn't asked. The public clash between Holden and Wisteria at the company had caused a stir, and she knew the Huxleys would likely use it as an excuse to punish her.

What Ramona hadn't fully considered was Melinda. Wisteria had already crossed Melinda once over Yancey.

Ramona explained the full context of the incident to the Huxleys. Her goal wasn't to change their opinion of Wisteria, but to frame Wisteria’s actions as beneficial to the company, thereby robbing them of any justification for their "discipline." Her words were a clear application of pressure, a velvet glove over an iron fist, a stark departure from her usual politeness. The power dynamics at the Covington Group had shifted. Not even Melinda could touch Ramona's people now, let alone the Huxleys.

The last few times they had met, the Huxleys had dismissed Ramona as a naive newcomer, no match for Melinda, and unlikely to hold her position for long. But her tone today forced them to reconsider. With Yancey so fiercely protective of Wisteria and Ramona willing to intervene on her behalf, they had no choice but to back down and chalk it all up to a misunderstanding.

“I’ve spoken with them,” Ramona told Wisteria over the phone. “I said your internship is very demanding and that you’ll be staying near the office for a while.” She had already booked a room for Wisteria at the business hotel the company used for clients.

Due to the Huxleys’ legal guardianship, Wisteria couldn’t just leave for good. So Ramona had used this opportunity, while Wisteria was the clear victim, to force the Huxleys to concede. It would give Wisteria a period of freedom.

Ramona couldn't help but say a little more. When she first met Wisteria, she found her prickly and rebellious. But over time, she realized it was just a protective shell. Deep down, Wisteria wanted to be kind. Perhaps because she had reconciled with Yancey, Wisteria had softened lately, no longer on high alert at the slightest provocation. It made it easier for Ramona to express her goodwill.

No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Wisteria was at a loss for words, finally managing a quiet, “Mm,” before adding, “Ramona, thank you. Really.”

After hanging up, Ramona returned to the adjacent examination room. She had been with Ethan all morning for his check-up, and the tests were finally done. The results had just come in, and several specialists were gathered. When Ramona returned, Ethan reached for her hand, pulling her down to sit beside him.