The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 49

Holden wasn't wrong about one thing.

The Covington Group had always been ruthless when it came to controlling talent. Even Holden had started at the bottom, clawing his way up by repeatedly steering the company past milestones before finally earning his current position.

If Ramona wanted to gain control of the Covington Group and silence every doubter, she’d have to do a lot more than just win over Holden and Melinda.

“Fine,” Holden replied casually.

“But how can I be sure that landing this project on my own will actually get me management authority?”

Holden’s lips curled in a mocking smile. He thought Ramona was hopelessly naïve.

He was already prepared. With a quick tap on his phone, he sent a contract straight to Ramona’s laptop.

“This is a wager agreement. Sign it, and it’s binding. If you succeed, you’ll have the same management rights as I do. Of course, there are still some powers that Mom keeps separate. I don’t have control over those.”

Holden hadn’t even finished speaking when his phone chimed—a notification that Ramona had signed immediately.

Watching the striking profile of the woman beside him, a glint of amusement flickered in Holden’s eyes. He raised his watch, almost as an afterthought.

“Almost forgot—you have one week. Time’s up, and the deal’s off. Good luck.”

...

Evening, the Holt estate.

Winnie was playing cards in the lounge with several of her friends when a servant suddenly brought in a package.

“Madam, there’s a file for you. It’s addressed to your name.”

“Who sent it?” Winnie didn’t bother to glance up from her hand, her voice frosty.

She hadn’t been in a good mood lately.

Griffin had forbidden her from helping Eulalia recover after the baby, all because of Ramona. Her daughter kept calling every other day to complain—arguing with Flynn again, not quite at the brink of divorce, but never really at peace, either.

“No idea, ma’am. It was delivered anonymously, and it’s sealed,” the servant replied.

Winnie’s hand was going badly, and she was already annoyed. She waved her hand dismissively. “Open it for me. Let’s see what it is.”

The servant did as told. Inside was a stack of photographs, which she handed directly to Winnie.

The faces in the photos were all too familiar.

“Oh my, isn’t that Jotham? And who’s the woman with him? Not Ramona, that’s for sure. She’s a stranger!”

“Don’t tell me Jotham’s finally decided to have an affair?”

The moment the words left the woman’s mouth, the rest of the card group crowded around for a better look.

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