The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 7

“The Covington estate?” Ramona echoed the name, letting it linger in the air.

“That’s right. From now on, this will be your home,” came the reply.

Ramona fell silent for a few seconds. Benedict was her biological father, and the inheritance worth billions had now fallen into her lap. Returning to the Covington family was inevitable—there was no point in running, nor could she escape it.

She nodded. “Alright then. Since this is my home, I suppose it’s time I saw it for myself.”

What must be faced would have to be faced, sooner or later.

On the drive, Jubal gave Ramona a brief rundown of the Covington family’s current situation.

The Covingtons’ fortune was enormous; most of its assets were controlled by Benedict, with smaller portions in the hands of Benedict’s father, Wilfred Covington, and his older brother.

Now, with Benedict’s entire estate transferred to her, Ramona had become the largest shareholder in the Covington Group.

Wilfred was currently recuperating abroad. Family affairs were being managed by Benedict’s wife, Melinda Yarrow, while the company itself was run by their adopted son, Holden Covington.

An hour later, their stretch Rolls-Royce glided through the gates of the Covington estate.

Sprawling over several acres, the mansion grounds exuded power and prestige. It took nearly ten minutes just to drive from the entrance to the main house.

Everything about the Covington mansion spoke of wealth and grandeur, as if even the paving stones underfoot were worth a fortune.

It was Ramona’s first time in a place so lavish. To say she wasn’t nervous would be a lie, but she forced herself to appear calm.

Jubal led her into the main hall. As the heavy doors were pulled open by a maid, Ramona caught sight of a regal figure standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Flanking the woman were two attendants, and on a nearby sofa sat a young man in a tailored suit.

The woman barely glanced at Ramona before approaching with measured steps.

Jubal leaned in and whispered, “That’s Melinda, Benedict’s wife.” On the sofa sat Holden, Benedict and Melinda’s adopted son—Ramona’s brother in name, at least.

As Melinda raised her gaze, Jubal quietly withdrew, ushering the others out. In an instant, the vast drawing room was left with only Ramona, Melinda, and Holden.

“You’re Ramona Jarrett?” Melinda asked.

Ramona nodded. Though Melinda wore a pleasant smile, Ramona could sense the underlying hostility.

“Sit down. You’re home now, no need to be so tense.”

After Melinda spoke, Holden addressed her as well. His tone was polite, but distant.

“Ms. Jarrett, if there’s nothing else, please sign,” Holden said, nudging the pen toward her.

“I refuse.”

Ramona had known the Covingtons wouldn’t accept her as their “illegitimate daughter” so easily. This so-called negotiation was nothing more than an attempt to force her hand.

After a brief pause, she replied with quiet firmness.

“Melinda, you call me an illegitimate child, but the law only recognizes blood. My father left a will, and he personally arranged for the attorney to sign the inheritance agreement with me. Both his will and the DNA report are more than enough to prove I am the rightful heir.”

Melinda’s expression darkened; she studied Ramona as if seeing something unexpected. She had never imagined Ramona would refuse.

“Ramona, you must realize that you’re just an outsider. Even if you were handed the Covington fortune, you’d be incapable of managing it,” Melinda said with a cold laugh.

Holden looked surprised as well. In all of Havencrest City, no one had ever dared reject his mother.

“Ms. Jarrett, perhaps you misunderstand. This isn’t open for discussion. The Covingtons aren’t an ordinary family. We’re far more complicated than you realize. Your decision affects the entire family, and you alone can’t stand against us,” Holden said bluntly, worried Ramona might not grasp the gravity of the situation.

But Ramona understood perfectly well. This was nothing more than intimidation.