The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 102

This time, their visit to Havencrest City had two purposes: to check in on Shelby, and because they’d heard Ethan Jordon was engaged. They wanted to meet the couple in person.

By chance, their hotel was just a short walk from Covington Group headquarters, and Shelby’s family was easygoing and friendly. That’s the only reason Florence felt comfortable inviting Ramona to join them for dinner.

Otherwise, with these relatives’ endless small talk, Florence honestly worried Ramona might feel out of place.

On the phone, Florence told Ramona to just relax. Ethan wasn’t around that evening, so if she was busy, she shouldn’t feel obligated to come.

But for Ramona, Ethan’s absence made her feel even more compelled to go. Shelby had always treated her kindly, and she didn’t want to embarrass her by skipping out.

Shelby’s face lit up when she saw Ramona. She ushered her to the seat right beside her, introducing her with pride to the most respected elders of the family, showering her with compliments about her character and accomplishments.

The Whitaker elders immediately took a liking to Ramona.

She was stunning, with a poise and warmth that outshone any of the society girls they’d once considered for Ethan.

Sometimes, it really did seem like fate knew best.

“Here, Ramona, I prepared a little something for you,” Sullivan Whitaker, Shelby’s brother, announced eagerly, presenting Ramona with a lavish gift. “If you ever need anything, just ask me. Don’t be shy!”

He opened a beautifully crafted, antique wooden box. Inside, nestled in velvet, were two full sets of exquisite gold jewelry—necklaces, earrings, bracelets, the works.

These were specially commissioned for Ramona to wear at her wedding: a delicate tiara, classic hairpins, elegant earrings, and even a traditional lace bridal fan.

“Sullivan’s a straightforward man,” Shelby said with a laugh. “He’s not the best at picking trendy gifts, but he had these made by one of the finest jewelers around. There’s nothing else like them in the world. Do you like them?”

Ramona was floored. Her cheeks flushed, and she hurried to thank them. “I love them—really, I do! Sullivan, thank you so much. These are far too generous; I almost feel bad accepting them. But since they’re given with such kindness, I’ll treasure them always.”

Her gentle voice and genuine gratitude instantly won over the whole table.

The dinner was a lively, joyful affair. Ramona, ever sincere, toasted each elder in turn; by the end of the evening, she was a little tipsy herself.

“Ramona, I didn’t know you could hold your liquor so well…” Shelby beamed, delighted to have her future daughter-in-law bonding with her family over drinks.

Florence, though, was a little worried. “Ramona, that’s probably enough for now. You don’t want to make yourself sick.”

“I’m fine…” Ramona laughed. She had definitely indulged a little too much, but wasn’t drunk yet, and in truth, was in such high spirits that her smile seemed brighter than ever.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

She squinted at the screen—Ethan.

“You really have had a bit too much to drink.”

Ethan’s voice seemed to echo right in front of her.

Ramona froze, then, before she could process it, the man just a step away turned around, Ethan’s striking features coming into clear view.

“Mr. Jordon!”

Ramona, giddy, rushed forward. Seeing her unsteady, Ethan reached out and caught her in his arms.

“Ramona…” he said softly, his breath brushing over her lips. Before he could say anything more, Ramona instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, gazing up at him with shining eyes. “Mr. Jordon, your voice is so nice. I love hearing you say my name like that.”

Ethan’s self-control gave way. He gently cupped her chin and, unable to resist any longer, pressed his lips to hers.

Not far away, the dining room door opened and Jotham hurried out, hand over his mouth, desperate for the restroom after one too many drinks. He took a wrong turn down the hallway—and at the end, he spotted two people kissing.

The woman’s silhouette was unmistakably familiar.

Was that… Ramona?!