The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 206

“Holden, Madam is here,” the butler announced softly.

Holden slowly lifted his head. “Mother.”

“Get up.” Seeing him in this state, Melinda’s heart softened slightly. She hadn’t been in this room for a long time, and the oppressive heat was stifling. Four hours was more than enough.

Holden tried to stand, but his legs were numb from kneeling for so long. He stumbled, catching himself against the wall.

The butler moved to help, but Melinda stopped him with a look.

“Do you know what you did wrong this time?” she asked, her voice cold and clinical.

“Yes,” Holden said, his voice hoarse. “I was careless and underestimated my opponent.”

Melinda took a sharp breath. “You’re a grown man, yet you’re still being punished like a child for your mistakes. Do you blame me?”

“No. The punishment is deserved. I was wrong.” His head remained bowed, his expression hidden, his voice flat and submissive.

Melinda was satisfied. “The first day I adopted you, I told you I don’t raise failures.”

“I was wrong. I will not disappoint you again.”

“Go take a shower, get changed, and meet me in my study.” Having inspected him and vented her anger, Melinda’s tone softened. She turned and left.

As soon as she was gone, the butler rushed to support Holden, who collapsed against him, his strength gone. He had been out drinking the previous night and had been forcibly woken by that girl, Nova Sawyer. He’d intended to find a place to recover, but Melinda’s men were already looking for him. He was intercepted shortly after leaving Nova’s apartment.

Half an hour later, Holden, having regained his usual suave and polished appearance, entered Melinda’s study.

“I have a task for you.” Melinda handed him a newly printed document. He glanced at it, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

“You want me to move against… the Jordon family?”

“Don’t concern yourself with things that aren’t your business,” Melinda said sharply. “Just do as you’re told. If you fail me again, I will be thoroughly disappointed in you.”

Holden knew exactly what her disappointment meant. The recognition he had fought for all these years, his place in the Covington family, his position at Covington Group—it would all be gone.

“But… the company, my work there…” Holden hesitated. The task itself wasn't difficult, but tangling with the Jordon family was playing with fire, a risk he was not willing to take.

“You’ll be suspended from the company for a few days. It will serve as an apology to Ramona. I have no energy to protect you from the consequences of your incompetence. Just follow company procedure. Ramona can’t do anything more to you.” Melinda left him no room to argue. She couldn’t believe Holden had been so inept as to be outmaneuvered by one of Ramona’s subordinates, landing himself in this mess. He deserved this lesson.

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