The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 261

"It's because I have to get married..." Wisteria suddenly blurted out, her voice laced with frustration.

It was a topic she couldn't easily explain. Her mother's will had a clause stating that if she married, she could immediately leave the Huxley family and claim a portion of the inheritance they controlled.

When she was younger, Wisteria didn't understand the implications. Now, she realized just how little faith her mother had in her, to place control of her life in the hands of others. Either the Huxleys or a husband. It was as if she couldn't exist in society without someone to depend on.

Wisteria had once bitterly resented her mother. Just because her father was a failure, did that mean she was destined to be one too?

The more her mother defined her in that way, the more she rebelled, sinking into self-sabotage. She decided to become a mess, to be the mud that everyone trampled on.

But after all these years, her misguided rebellion had brought no response, no salvation. All that was left was a deep self-loathing, her mother's disappointment now etched into her very soul.

"Married?" Ramona seemed to have an idea of what was going on.

Wisteria trailed off, not wanting to say more. Complaining would only amplify her pain and insecurity.

Wisteria knew her own limitations. She couldn't reclaim what was rightfully hers, nor could she stand up to the family she despised. Perhaps marriage was her only way out.

But she soon discovered that the Huxleys were even more despicable than she had imagined. They had their ways of pulling strings behind the scenes. One by one, the men who got close to her either had "accidents" or suddenly broke up with her.

Yancey's serious injury had been her fault. She had considered being with him. They had known each other since they were children, and he had been the first to show her kindness. Wisteria, starved for affection, couldn't resist that warmth.

But as she had told Ramona, the more you love something, the less confident you feel, and the more you want to push it away. She truly loved Yancey, which was why she was terrified of accepting him. In her mind, the only way they could be in each other's lives was as friends.

But she had never expected that trying to control her feelings would backfire so spectacularly. Now that Yancey no longer loved her, she couldn't let him go.

"Is it the Huxleys?" Even without Wisteria saying it, Ramona had figured it out. "Is getting married another way for you to leave the family?"

Wisteria looked at Ramona again and took a deep breath, not denying it.

It wasn't hard to piece together. Wisteria had been at odds with the Huxley family for years, their relationship a mess, yet she couldn't leave.

Ramona had heard about Wisteria's mother's inheritance from Yancey. If Wisteria left, the Huxleys would have to give up a significant amount of money, something they would never do willingly. That's why Wisteria had been so desperate to pass her performance evaluation.

If marriage was another way out... Then the rumors about her being promiscuous suddenly made sense.

"Don't tell Yancey. I promised his father I wouldn't drag him down again."

"...Who is this?"

Ethan sounded surprised on the other end.

"It's Wisteria. I'm having a drink with Ramona," Wisteria said flatly. "She's in the restroom. We'll be heading back soon."

"Address."

The word was a command, cold and sharp.

Wisteria frowned. He certainly wasn't polite. But she gave him the address anyway. "It's near Covington Group, very close."

"Are you coming to pick Ramona up? We've already called for a car. There's no need for you to go to the trouble, Mr. Jordon."

"I'm nearby. Tell her to wait for me."

With that, Ethan hung up.