The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 185

Halcyon didn’t say a word, just offered Solenne a warm smile, clearly pleased with her arrangements.

The store manager’s lack of tact hadn’t just embarrassed Yancey, it had put a damper on Halcyon’s birthday, too. All her friends were watching.

Yancey, ever the gentleman, tried to smooth things over for the manager, but it only made it look like he was taking someone else’s side on her special day.

Wisteria stared at Solenne, biting back the urge to lash out.

Solenne, for her part, pursed her lips in a challenge, as if daring Wisteria to make a scene.

Reason won out at the last second.

If she slapped Solenne now and ruined the gathering, it might feel satisfying, but this business was connected to the Covington family. Giving in to her temper would only hand everyone more gossip fodder.

Wisteria had already paid a steep price over the years for acting on impulse. Compared to that, what did this little humiliation matter?

Yancey was clearly trying to get back at her. Fine, she’d let him.

Wisteria lifted her chin, eyes flashing with defiance. She said nothing, just reached for the wine bottle.

Suddenly, a strong hand closed over hers.

Yancey gripped her hand tightly. His palm was hot, almost burning, sending a jolt through her.

She looked up, meeting the deep, shadowed gaze of the man before her.

Yancey’s features were sharply defined, his eyes set deep beneath a furrowed brow. Normally he gave off a gentle, almost melancholy calm, but now his expression was grim, his steady gaze holding her in place.

Wisteria felt her emotions roil unexpectedly.

They’d been little more than strangers for so long, and she knew he resented her. Why did he still act like this?

“Let go.”

Wisteria’s voice was cold as she shot the words at Yancey.

Everyone stared at him in shock. One of Yancey’s friends, nervous he might lose his composure in front of Halcyon, quickly cleared his throat in warning.

Even Halcyon seemed caught off guard by Yancey touching another woman right in front of her, shifting in her seat with discomfort.

“You can’t handle alcohol. There’s no need to make a scene,” Yancey said quietly. He tightened his grip, pried the bottle from her hand, and set it aside.

Yancey straightened up, then turned to Solenne, who was clearly enjoying the drama. His voice was low and steady as he addressed her, “Ms. Huxley, there’s no need to make things difficult. I’m just here to celebrate my fiancée’s birthday. We don’t need all these over-the-top festivities, and there’s no point in making anyone uncomfortable.

Halcyon isn’t the type to fuss over little things, either.”

His words were calm, but the authority in his voice was unmistakable.

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