The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 145

Fenton should have known about Ramona and Ethan’s engagement long ago, yet he never breathed a word to her.

By rights, since an illegitimate daughter was inheriting all of Benedict’s estate, as Benedict’s older brother, you’d think he’d at least look out for the widow and her child. Instead, he’d turned around and gotten close with Ramona, even going out of his way, alongside his son, to boost her reputation in public. It was a blatant slap in the face.

“Fenton, I really don’t think I’ve ever wronged you,” Melinda said, arching a brow as she fixed her gaze on his gentle eyes. “Is it just because I don’t share the Covington name? Because Holden isn’t really a Covington by blood?”

Melinda was out of patience for pleasantries. She asked her question directly.

“Melinda, I honestly don’t understand what you mean,” Fenton said quickly, setting down his wine glass. “If it’s about Ramona’s engagement, I was only following my father’s wishes. I wasn’t trying to go against you.”

Truth was, Fenton had been avoiding Melinda for a while because he’d known this conversation was coming. She was sharp and held grudges—best to stay out of her way.

“You know I can’t just hand over Covington Group. Benedict and I weathered so much together. Everyone knows how much I’ve poured into this company. To simply hand it all over to an illegitimate daughter—how could that possibly be fair to me?”

Her voice trembled as she spoke, emotion rising until finally she lowered her head, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

Fenton wilted at the sight. If there was one thing he couldn’t stand, it was a woman in tears.

“Look, I haven’t had anything to do with Covington Group in ages, Melinda. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t interfere. You have my word: I’m not against you. Ramona and I are only related by blood. You’re just as much family to me as she is.”

“Then why,” Melinda pressed softly, head still bowed, “didn’t you tell me about the engagement?”

Fenton hurried to explain. “It was my father’s decision to keep it quiet. I barely know Ramona myself. News like that, best not to let it slip before the time is right.”

Melinda fell silent, watching him carefully. She was testing him.

Fenton was the one closest to Wilfred Covington. After Benedict grew ill and couldn’t have children, Melinda had entered the family but had no children of her own. Wilfred had always been wary of her.

Now, with Ramona back and Wilfred living abroad, Melinda couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

If it was just Ramona, she could handle it. But if both Wilfred and Fenton sided with that girl, things would get complicated.

“Fenton, I’ve always trusted you most in this family. Since Benedict passed, Covington Group is all I have. If Wilfred really can’t stand having me around the Covingtons, please, just tell me…”

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