The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 104

Whenever Ramona felt nervous, her first instinct was to let go of Ethan’s hand. But just as she tried to slip away, he caught up and gripped her hand even more firmly by his side.

“My uncle’s right. I’ll take good care of her,” Ethan said, his deep voice gentle as he spoke. He then took the wine glass from Ramona’s hand.

“Sorry, everyone. My fiancée’s had a bit too much to drink tonight, so I’ll take her home to rest.”

“I’ll have my assistant drive you—” Sullivan offered enthusiastically.

Florence, seeing Ramona and Ethan enter together, had already pieced everything together. She exchanged a knowing look with Shelby, the kind of silent understanding only women share.

Shelby, noticing that her brother Sullivan was completely oblivious, quickly stepped in. “It’s fine, Sully. Ethan didn’t drink tonight. Let him take Ramona home. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Sullivan looked like he wanted to protest, but Florence immediately got up and all but ushered Ethan and Ramona toward the door.

“Alright, alright, off you go. Let the grown-ups have our chat in peace without you kids interrupting.”

Ramona hurriedly offered her goodbyes to Florence and Shelby, while Ethan simply nodded in thanks. He was grateful for the way his grandmother and Shelby had smoothed things over for him, and a faint smile tugged at his lips as he swept Ramona out of the room.

Ramona struggled to keep up, her steps unsteady. No sooner had they left the private lounge than Ethan swept her up into his arms, carrying her effortlessly.

“Mr. Jordon! I can walk…”

Ramona gave a small gasp, but her arms instinctively wrapped around Ethan’s broad shoulders.

“But I worry about you,” Ethan replied, his voice cool but resolute. “Next time, no matter who’s offering, don’t drink so much.”

Ramona nodded obediently, “Alright.”

She wanted to protest that she hadn’t really drunk much. She used to handle way more at business dinners, but then she remembered Ethan had already seen her at her worst.

The last time she discussed the Covington Group project, she’d gotten embarrassingly drunk in front of him…

Ethan’s steps were steady and strong, and it felt oddly comforting to be carried by him. Ramona let her head rest against his chest, her eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness.

By the time they reached Ramona’s apartment, it was already late.

Ethan carried her out of the car, then up the stairs, and finally into her home, not setting her down until she was safely on the living room sofa.

Ramona felt a little shy at first, but being held by him the whole way had left her with a giddy, addictive warmth.

As Ethan bent down, his cheek brushed lightly against her neck, making her giggle and instinctively press her hand to his waist.

What she didn’t see was Ethan’s next message: Let’s watch one together sometime.

“Oh, that day, I was just tired and fell asleep,” Ramona lied, trying to cover her tracks. “But I’d like to watch a movie with you, Mr. Jordon.”

“Then why not now?” Ethan replied immediately, turning to her, his voice gentle and eyes shining with anticipation.

“Now?”

He nodded, glancing at his watch. It was only just past ten—plenty of time for a movie.

Ramona was sleepy, but Ethan’s suggestion made her perk up, like she’d just remembered something fun. A soft smile touched her lips.

“Let’s watch a horror movie, then. Nova Sawyer sent me a new one the other day, supposedly perfect for late-night viewing.”

“Sounds good,” Ethan agreed amiably.

They settled into the living room and started the film. After a few minutes, Ramona found herself inching closer—Ethan sat upright and composed as ever.

“Mr. Jordon, are you easily scared? Are you okay with horror movies? We don’t have to watch if you’re not comfortable,” she teased, drawing close with a playful glint in her eye.