The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 378

“Brother, you just got back. Maybe we should let this go for now.” All Melinda really wanted was to strip Ramona of the Jordon family’s support. She was afraid for Lester to take on such a high-profile job so soon after his return. The world was different now, and Ethan’s status was not to be taken lightly. Lester’s men had been right; it was a difficult time to make a move.

“I told you, I will not let you suffer any more grievances. No matter how difficult the task, I will accomplish it for you,” Lester said calmly. This was the first thing he wanted to do upon his return to the Airgap Alliance: protect his only sister, the only woman he had ever loved.

“As for that girl, Ramona, Benedict’s daughter… what are your plans for her?”

“She can’t be touched yet. I want to deal with her myself,” Melinda replied, her voice low. Now that Ramona was married to Ethan, if she died, her assets wouldn't go to Melinda. It would be a waste. Besides, Ramona’s death alone wouldn’t satisfy her hatred. If Benedict wanted to torment her from the grave, then she would make him watch as she tortured his daughter.

She would make Ramona lose her lover, lose everything, and crush all her hopes until she was consumed by pain and despair. Benedict’s debt would be paid by his daughter. That was the only way it would be fair.

“Alright,” Lester agreed. He would follow Melinda’s lead in everything.

With business out of the way, he finally asked how she had been. Melinda’s answer reassured him. Though Benedict hadn’t left her the Covington Group, she had amassed a great deal of wealth and connections over the years. Even without the company, she could live very well. The Yarrow family didn’t dare cross her either; if she needed them, they would have to comply.

Melinda had it all planned out. She would use the Covington Group as a stepping stone to build her own empire in Havencrest City. Then, neither the Covington Group nor the Jordon Group would be a match for her.

Lester was pleased by her ambition. “You haven’t changed a bit. But I’m happy. My Melinda has grown up, stronger than ever before.”

“Of course. I told you I would never disappoint you, brother,” Melinda said softly, a dark smile playing on her lips. Her suffering had not been in vain. Everyone who owed her would pay back every last debt.

…………

Back in Havencrest City, the sky had turned a gloomy gray, though it was only mid-afternoon. The clouds hung low, heavy with the promise of a storm, and the air felt thick and oppressive.

In a hotel suite, Brantley stood on the balcony, smoking. It was only after his assistant and lawyer had been in the living room for some time that he finally came in.

The woman sitting in the corner of the sofa was much thinner now. Her head was bowed low, her entire demeanor a stark contrast to when they first met. Brantley sat down and studied her for a long moment before speaking. “Nothing you want to say to me?”