The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 124

Ramona found it all the more amusing. Did he really see her as a clueless child?

“Mr. Covington, why don’t you check the news on your phone?” she suggested, her gaze drifting back to her own screen.

She scrolled absentmindedly. As expected, in just a matter of minutes, the trending news had completely flipped.

Havencrest City’s news station had deleted the article from their reporter’s account and issued a public retraction, clarifying that the story was fake. They explained that a new hire, seeking attention and holding a grudge against an old classmate, had fabricated the whole thing. The employee had been fired and was now facing potential legal action, with the case referred to the police.

Meanwhile, the legal team had wasted no time sending cease-and-desist letters to every major account spreading the story online.

Because the situation had been handled so swiftly, the fallout was minimal and entirely manageable.

Besides, Ramona’s status as the Covington Group heiress wasn’t public knowledge, and very few people actually knew her. Most of the attention had stayed fixed on the scandal itself, not on Covington Group.

Holden’s eyes darkened. He’d known that rumors alone wouldn’t cause much trouble, but he hadn’t expected Ramona to act so fast.

He glanced at the headlines, then said coolly, “You can bury the news, but the past leaves traces. Ramona, you didn’t grow up under the Covington family’s protective wing. Who’s to say there won’t be more rumors or even real scandals in the future?”

“Tall trees catch the wind,” Ramona replied evenly. “Of course I can’t guarantee what others will say. But I can promise I’ve done nothing shameful. My conscience is clear.”

She spoke with a calm confidence.

“And honestly, if a few fake stories are enough to shake Covington Group, maybe we’re the ones who should be embarrassed.”

It was clear she was aiming that last remark at Holden.

Holden nodded, fiddling with his watch. A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face.

“I guess I’ve been worrying for nothing.” He stood, sounding genuinely gracious. “Mom regrets missing your and Mr. Jordon’s engagement party. She’s hosting a dinner at our place this weekend and has invited both families. There’ll be plenty of distinguished guests. Don’t forget to show up on time, Sis.”

With that, Holden set an invitation card on Ramona’s desk and left without another word.

Once he was out of Ramona’s office, Holden finally pulled out his phone and called his assistant. “Proceed as planned,” he ordered.

He actually had some genuine affection for Ramona as a sister. At least she wasn’t a total airhead. That’s why he’d tried the diplomatic route first, hoping she’d step aside willingly. But clearly, she wasn’t going to back down until things got serious.

...

The thought left a sour ache in Jotham’s chest.

“Ramona, now you must know how it feels to have no one to rely on,” he said, trying to sound sincere. “I’ve kept your room tidy all this time. Don’t wear yourself out in the outside world…”

Before he could finish his heartfelt speech, Ramona hung up. His heart sank, and then his temper flared.

Ramona was truly spoiled by his pampering! He really was worried about her this time. But the more he tried to reach out, the more distant she seemed to become.

Just then, Brianna called.

Jotham hesitated for a long moment before picking up. On the other end, Brianna was in tears, sobbing that something terrible had happened. When he heard Brianna was in trouble, Jotham forgot all about his frustration with Ramona and rushed over.

The moment he walked in, Brianna threw herself into his arms, her face streaked with tears. “I’m ruined, Jotham… I’m really ruined…”

“What happened? Slow down, tell me,” Jotham said, trying to calm her, but Brianna just kept crying and couldn’t get a word out.

It wasn’t until he finally lost all patience that she clung to his arm and pleaded, “Please, you have to forgive me. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…”