The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 173

Ethan’s sudden question left Ash completely stumped. “The Covington Group invested in Holt Group?”

He hadn’t seen anything about that in the reports.

By all logic, since Ramona was currently at Covington Group, there was no way Covington would have any dealings with the Holt Group. But then again, why would a giant like Covington bother investing in such an ordinary company?

“I’ll look into it. Looks like the records are encrypted,” Ash said, taking the file and flipping through it again.

Ethan didn’t reply, but his expression had grown even darker.

There were only two possibilities: either someone from Covington was targeting Ramona—meaning it must be Holden and his people—or… it was Ramona herself.

Was it possible she still hadn’t let go of Jotham?

The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Ethan knew it was impossible, but when it came to Ramona, he simply couldn’t stop himself from overthinking everything.

This constant anxiety—the way falling for someone made you so restless and insecure—it disgusted even him.

…

By early evening, Jotham was speeding back to the old family home, parking out front to wait for Brianna.

He’d just received word that Covington Group’s mysterious new investor wanted to meet him next week. But tonight, he was headed to a jewelry auction, one of the most prestigious events in Havencrest City, organized by an internationally renowned auction house.

Originally, Jotham had planned to go alone. But as soon as Brianna heard about the event, about the world-class pieces up for auction and the exclusive guest list filled with the city’s elite, she insisted on coming along. She wanted a taste of that world, and if she could snag a rare piece of jewelry for herself, so much the better.

Instead of asking Jotham directly, Brianna had gone to Griffin, dropping hints until he got the message. Picking out jewelry was, after all, a woman’s domain. And Griffin, eager to keep Brianna happy and out of trouble, was more than willing to let her have this one.

So Jotham had little choice but to bring Brianna along.

He waited by the door for what felt like forever, growing more impatient by the minute. Still no sign of Brianna.

Just as his irritation peaked, his phone rang. His assistant, calling with an update on the investigation into Ramona.

But the update was a dead end. Not a single trace of Ramona anywhere in Havencrest City. No one around her was willing to say a word.

“Useless,” Jotham muttered, hanging up in frustration.

At that moment, Brianna finally appeared. She’d spent ages getting ready, settling on a deep emerald velvet gown with a black fur-collared jacket draped over her shoulders. She looked every bit the part—elegant and expensive.

Jotham barely glanced at her, saying nothing.

Brianna, expecting at least a compliment after three hours of careful preparation, felt the sting of his indifference. But she wasn’t about to beg for his approval; instead, she turned to stare out the window in silence.

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