The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 284

She didn’t say anything else. And Yancey seemed determined to keep his distance, as if afraid she’d latch onto him. They stood in silence until the elevator reached her floor. He knew which one it was without even asking.

Wisteria didn't question it. "This is me," she said, stepping out.

Just as the doors were about to close, Yancey stepped out after her.

"Wisteria!"

"What is it?"

"Why so much coffee? Are you running errands for people? Remember, you're here to work, not to be a gofer." The image of her nearly getting knocked over flashed in his mind, and an impulsive protectiveness surged through him.

Wisteria was about to protest when Yancey's two very perceptive assistants gently took the coffees from her hands.

"Allow me, Ms. Huxley."

"Actually, I wasn't…"

Before Wisteria could finish, Yancey cut her off. "Come on, I'll walk with you to drop them off."

In his mind, Wisteria had a difficult personality and was terrible at making friends. She was tough on the outside, but she was always the one who ended up getting pushed around. Now that she was on his turf at Covington Group, and Ramona couldn't always be there to look out for her, he felt it was his duty to smooth the way a little.

"No, Yancey, it's not what you think. I bought this coffee because I wanted to…"

Yancey ignored her explanation.

When they entered the R&D department, everyone was gathered in the break room for lunch. They all stared as Yancey strode in with Wisteria in tow.

Someone recognized him and immediately greeted him. "Mr. Covington! What brings you here?" Yancey had interned in the department before, and Benedict had introduced him to the team.

"Just checking in." Yancey gestured for his assistants to hand out the coffee. Then he looked at Wisteria’s colleagues. "Wisteria is new, and she couldn't carry all this coffee by herself. I happened to run into her, so I helped her bring it up. Next time, please be a bit more considerate. If you're going to send her on a coffee run, at least send someone with her."

A hush fell over the room. Everyone exchanged confused glances, some looking at Wisteria, unsure of what to say.

After a few seconds, someone finally spoke up. "Of course, of course! Thank you for your concern, Mr. Covington!"

"Our Mr. Covington is clearly still smitten. That whole performance… tsk, tsk, he’s absolutely head over heels. He even gets worked up over her carrying a few coffees!"

Sensing fresh gossip, they began whispering among themselves. It dawned on them then—the mysterious true love that Yancey had been pining for was Wisteria! They were going to have front-row seats to all the drama.

Wisteria caught up to Yancey and pressed the coffee into his hand. "Here. This one was extra. It'll go to waste if you don't drink it." Then she added, "Besides, if I don't give it to you, they'll think I have no manners."

She was so blunt. Yancey had expected a word of thanks, but she looked completely unenthusiastic, as if she were just completing a task.

"So I just made things awkward for you back there, didn't I?" Yancey felt a pang of disappointment. He had just worked up the courage to stand up for her in front of everyone, a move he knew would fuel the rumors about him being a lovesick fool.

"That's not what I meant. It's just…" Wisteria trailed off.

"Just what?" Yancey pressed, genuinely wanting to know.

"You really should mind your own business. Don't do that again."

The words were out before she could stop them, and Wisteria immediately wanted to kick herself. She saw the color drain from Yancey's face.