The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 286

Why should he let it bother him?

Yancey was here to fulfill his promise to Ramona. He had already transferred 5% of his company's shares to her name. He'd also discussed it with his father and wanted to increase their collaboration moving forward. After Benedict divided the family assets, Covington Pharmaceuticals had become its own entity, while the other family businesses managed by Fenton were struggling. Only Yancey’s export division had done well over the years, but he needed a powerful ally to take it to the next level. He was inviting Ramona to invest, seeking mutual growth.

The Covington family had numerous enterprises, but they operated in silos, which often stifled innovation. Ramona had long wanted to foster more internal support within the family.

After they finished their business talk, Ramona brought up Wilfred. She was leaving for Myridia Country next week to meet him and wanted to know more about his personality and preferences. Fenton had only told her not to worry, saying Wilfred was strict but reasonable and wouldn't give her a hard time. He'd suggested she bring some fine coffee beans or an exquisite piece of art as a gift, something to show her thoughtfulness since Wilfred lacked nothing.

Yancey’s description of him was similar. He hadn't spent much time with their grandfather either, but Wilfred, while strict, had always been kind to the younger generation, like him and Holden. He always gave them generous gifts and never scolded them.

When Ramona asked about the feud between Benedict and Wilfred, Yancey didn't know much more.

"Our family, the Covingtons… we don't have any issues with the Jordons, do we?" Ramona finally asked.

Yancey looked surprised. "With the Jordons? You mean with Ethan Jordon?"

Ramona nodded.

"Before you," Yancey said, "as far as I know, we had no dealings with them. Jordon Group has always been aloof, and we had no business partnerships. The Jordon men rarely showed up at Havencrest City's social events."

It seemed Fenton hadn't been hiding anything from her. Wilfred probably just wanted to meet with her alone.

"Why do you ask?" Yancey sensed something was on her mind.

Ramona smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I'm just a little nervous. With Melinda there, I'm worried she'll make things difficult for me."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Yancey offered. "I should be free next week."

"No, that's okay. You just got back from Myridia Country. I wouldn't want to risk it," Ramona teased with a small smile.

Yancey sighed in mock exasperation. But as he was leaving, he turned back and said seriously, "Ramona, don't be afraid. No matter what, the Covington family is your family too."

His simple, gentle words gave her a surge of confidence. She nodded firmly, touched. "Mm-hmm."

Not long after Yancey left, Ramona packed up her things and headed home early. She was taking a few days off to spend with Ethan before her trip. Florence and the family were coming over for dinner, and Ramona planned to cook for them.

As soon as Holden was gone, Ramona motioned for Nova to follow her.

The moment the elevator doors closed, Ramona got straight to the point. "Do you like Holden?"

"No, of course not. We've just… reached a sort of truce," Nova said with a frown.

Like him? If Holden were the last man on earth, she would never, ever like him.

Ramona studied Nova's expression; she didn't seem to be lying. "I warned you, Holden is bad news. Why are you still involved with him?"

Nova was silent.

"He's interested in you, I can see it," Ramona pressed, a sense of urgency in her voice. "Don't you know that any girl he sets his sights on ends up getting hurt?"

"I know," Nova's voice was firm.