Empire 23

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.

Jotham paused, puzzled. “What do you mean, she’s not at home?”

Before he could get an answer, his phone vibrated-another crisis at work. He waved the housekeeper away and hurried to the side to take the call.

When he returned, Brianna noticed his expression had grown stormy. Worried, she asked, “What happened this time?”

“Another major project fell through. The client will only deal with Ramona.” Jotham’s voice was tight with frustration.

This was the company’s most critical partnership of the year, marked red on every annual report. If it collapsed, the shareholders would never let

him off the hook.

“Ramona’s just a junior manager, isn’t she? Are they confused? Why would they insist on her over you, the CEO?” Brianna couldn’t wrap her head around it. Was Ramona really so indispensable that the company

couldn’t function without her?

“I need to head to the office,” Jotham said curtly, grabbing his coat and leaving without further explanation.

Meanwhile, Ramona was on Fenton’s private jet.

Now the majority shareholder of Covington Group, she was representing the Covington Group at an exclusive international charity gala in a neighboring country-a gathering reserved for only the most influential business leaders.

In previous years, the Covington family had always sent Mr. and Mrs. Benedict, along with Holden.

But with Ramona inheriting all of Benedict’s assets, the invitation was

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addressed to her by name. Outraged, Melinda refused to attend, and Holden, siding with his mother, declined as well.

Their absence made it clear: Ramona still wasn’t accepted as part of the family. This could only hinder her efforts to build connections and

manage Covington Group’s affairs.

That’s why Fenton was accompanying her personally-to help her make a strong impression and silence the rumors about her background.

By evening, the jet landed at the magnificent hotel hosting the gala. Its crystalline architecture had earned it the nickname “the Crystal Palace.”

Outside, a tall, refined young man greeted Fenton and Ramona. He wore sleek silver-rimmed glasses, his features gentle and his demeanor effortlessly gentlemanly.

Ramona recognized him immediately-her cousin, Yancey Covington, Fenton’s only son. With Fenton retired, Yancey now ran the family’s businesses. He was always traveling for work and had just flown in for the event.

Fenton had asked him to be here to support Ramona-after all, Benedict’s daughter couldn’t attend alone.

Ramona quickly warmed to Yancey; in a single meal, they’d gotten to

know each other well. He was nothing like his father’s boisterous

energy-Yancey was attentive and considerate, making her feel genuinely looked after.

Fenton, clearly pleased with his son’s tact and poise, handed Ramona over to Yancey after dinner and went off to catch up with old friends.

Yancey patiently walked Ramona through every detail of the upcoming gala-the program, her dress, her speech. Although his phone buzzed constantly with work calls, he glanced at each and silenced them, never breaking focus.

“Alright, Yancey, I’m all set. Go take care of your business,” Ramona said

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as soon as he escorted her to the elevator.

He smiled. “Of course. But if you need anything, just let me know.”

She waved him off, but just then, someone abruptly held the elevator door and squeezed inside.

Though the elevator was spacious, the woman brushed right past

Ramona, nearly knocking her over.

“Wisteria Huxley,” Yancey’s voice rang out as Ramona steadied herself, taking in the woman’s designer suit and strong perfume.

Wisteria’s long curls framed her sharp gaze. She barely glanced at Ramona before focusing on Yancey. “Yancey, is this your new girlfriend?” “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s my cousin, Ramona,” Yancey replied, clearly annoyed, though his tone remained polite.

“Ramona? Benedict’s illegitimate daughter?” Wisteria tilted her head, eyes narrowing as she took a closer look at Ramona.

Ramona stayed silent. She had no patience for spoiled heiresses, especially ones who went out of their way to be unpleasant.

Yancey’s voice was firm. “Wisteria, that’s enough. She’s my uncle’s daughter, my cousin, and the Covington family’s heir.”

Wisteria scoffed. “So what? I’m not part of the Covingtons. She’s not my

sister.”

With that, she hit the button to close the elevator door, shutting Yancey

out before he could react.

As the doors slid shut, silence fell. Wisteria said nothing more, and neither did Ramona. It was obvious the two women had no interest in

making small talk-and that Wisteria’s real target was Yancey.

Ramona had no desire to get involved. When the elevator opened, she strode straight out. Updates are released by find·novel·net

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By the time she reached her suite, Yancey was already calling, his voice full of concern as he checked that she’d made it upstairs safely.

Chapter

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.