Empire 124

This chapter makes a quiet but clear adjustment to the story. Small choices and brief pauses point the plot in a new direction. The shift is steady, not loud, and it sets up what comes next.

A few actions and reactions stand out. A held-back answer, a quick decision, or a look that lingers changes how characters see each other. These beats feel small now but carry weight forward.

Emotions sit just under the surface. The tone shows doubt, hope, or pressure even when the words stay measured. What is not said guides the scene as much as what is spoken.

Earlier choices and old tensions shape how people act here. History does not repeat, but it limits and nudges. The present is easier to read when the past is kept in view.

Trust, distance, and leverage shift by degrees. Roles adjust, and the space between characters changes shape. By the end, connections are not exactly what they were.

Objects, gestures, and setting notes do quiet work. They mirror the mood and hint at motives. Paying attention to them clarifies what is at stake.

Short remarks, paused replies, and choices made too quickly point to what will matter soon. The chapter plants markers that future scenes will pick up.

A few sentences carry the heart of the scene. They show fear, resolve, or longing in simple words. These are the lines that will echo next chapter.

Chapter 124

Ramona found it all the more amusing. Did he really see her as a clueless child?

“Mr. Covington, why don’t you check the news on your phone?” she suggested, her gaze drifting back

to her own screen.

She scrolled absentmindedly. As expected, in just a matter of minutes, the trending news had completely flipped.

Havencrest City’s news station had deleted the article from their reporter’s account and issued a public retraction, clarifying that the story was fake. They explained that a new hire, seeking attention and holding a grudge against an old classmate, had fabricated the whole thing. The employee had been fired and was now facing potential legal action, with the case referred to the police.

Meanwhile, the legal team had wasted no time sending cease–and–desist letters to every major account spreading the story online.

Because the situation had been handled so swiftly, the fallout was minimal and entirely manageable.

Besides, Ramona’s status as the Covington Group heiress wasn’t public knowledge, and very few people actually knew her. Most of the attention had stayed fixed on the scandal itself, not on Covington Group.

Holden’s eyes darkened. He’d known that rumors alone wouldn’t cause much trouble, but he hadn’t expected Ramona to act so fast.

He glanced at the headlines, then said coolly, “You can bury the news, but the past leaves traces. Ramona, you didn’t grow up under the Covington family’s protective wing. Who’s to say there won’t be more rumors or even real scandals in the future?”

“Tall trees catch the wind,” Ramona replied evenly. “Of course I can’t guarantee what others will say. But I can promise I’ve done nothing shameful. My conscience is clear.”

She spoke with a calm confidence.

“And honestly, if a few fake stories are enough to shake Covington Group, maybe we’re the ones who should be embarrassed.”

It was clear she was aiming that last remark at Holden.

Holden nodded, fiddling with his watch. A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face.

“I guess I’ve been worrying for nothing.” He stood, sounding genuinely gracious. “Mom regrets missing your and Mr. Jordon’s engagement party. She’s hosting a dinner at our place this weekend and has invited both families. There’ll be plenty of distinguished guests. Don’t forget to show up on time, Sis.”

With that, Holden set an invitation card on Ramona’s desk and left without another word.

Once he was out of Ramona’s office, Holden finally pulled out his phone and called his assistant. “Proceed as planned,” he ordered.

He actually had some genuine affection for Ramona as a sister. At least she wasn’t a total airhead.

That’s why he’d tried the diplomatic route first, hoping she’d step aside willingly. But clearly, she wasn’t going to back down until things got serious.

Meanwhile, Brianna noticed the story on the trending list had been overturned in less than half a day, with Havencrest City’s news station posting a public statement to clear things up. She’d been trying to call Kendall, but couldn’t get through.

In their old classmates‘ group chat, everyone was suddenly apologizing to Ramona, admitting they shouldn’t have bought into the rumors. A few even tried to tag her in their messages. That’s when they realized Ramona had already left the group chat. Read complete version only at find(ɴ)ovel.net

Someone asked Jotham about it, but he had no idea when Ramona had left. He’d assumed she’d seen him defending her that morning and appreciated it in silence.

Now, it seemed he’d been flattering himself.

Jotham tried calling Ramona over and over, and finally she picked up.

“What is it?”

Ramona’s tone was just as frosty as ever. He could tell she was driving. She’d only answered because his calls had been relentless.

“Ramona, are you alright? I saw the news today. Did you get on the wrong side of someone out there…?”

“My business is none of your concern,” she cut in icily. “You should worry about Holt Group instead.”

Her voice was cold enough to freeze, but to Jotham, it almost sounded like concern.

Ramona had always been that way: even when trouble found her, she’d deal with it alone, never letting him worry. Around him, she only ever mentioned the things she knew he cared about.

The thought left a sour ache in Jotham’s chest.

“Ramona, now you must know how it feels to have no one to rely on,” he said, trying to sound sincere. “I’ve kept your room tidy all this time. Don’t wear yourself out in the outside world…”

Before he could finish his heartfelt speech, Ramona hung up. His heart sank, and then his temper flared.

Ramona was truly spoiled by his pampering! He really was worried about her this time. But the more he tried to reach out, the more distant she seemed to become.

Just then, Brianna called.

Jotham hesitated for a long moment before picking up. On the other end, Brianna was in tears, sobbing that something terrible had happened. When he heard Brianna was in trouble, Jotham forgot all about his frustration with Ramona and rushed over.

The moment he walked in, Brianna threw herself into his arms, her face streaked with tears. “I’m ruined, Jotham… I’m really ruined…”

“What happened? Slow down, tell me,” Jotham said, trying to calm her, but Brianna just kept crying

and couldn’t get a word out.

It wasn’t until he finally lost all patience that she clung to his arm and pleaded, “Please, you have to forgive me. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…”

The scene closes, but its pressure does not. Something has shifted, and the next step will have to meet it. The feeling is unfinished on purpose.

Expect tighter tension and fewer safe options. Hidden truths may press forward. The path ahead should feel earned and a bit sharper.

Which choice will echo the longest? Who revealed the most by saying the least? How might today’s restraint become tomorrow’s turning point?

Rules, memory, and the setting frame each decision. Inside that frame, even small moves gain size. The chapter belongs to its world as much as to its people.

With this chapter done, the story steps forward—quieter, clearer, and ready to show what those choices mean.