The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 110

“Mom, look, Ramona brought this as a gesture of goodwill. Please don’t be like this.” Jotham quickly stepped in to stop Winnie.

Liliane glanced at the things Ramona had brought, catching a glimpse out of the corner of her eye. Even she couldn’t help but think Ramona was a little lacking in decorum.

But Liliane was here to help patch things up and bring Ramona back into the family, so she softened her tone. “It’s just a thoughtful gesture. I’m an old woman. How many treats can I possibly enjoy? You’ve all brought me so many things already, there’s no need for Ramona to trouble herself further. Ramona, next time, there’s really no need to bring anything. If you don’t have something suitable, don’t force yourself.”

With a gentle smile, Liliane patted Ramona’s hand, her eyes filled with kindness and affection.

But this time, Ramona finally saw it clearly—the hint of entitlement in Liliane’s expression. It was as if Liliane naturally agreed with Winnie and the others.

Back then, Ramona truly had nothing. Liliane had shown her understanding, always assuring her that she believed Ramona could become a good wife to Jotham, a worthy partner to the Holt family.

Ramona had been so grateful that she worked even harder, striving to be devoted and humble. Her own grievances had seemed small by comparison. She even wanted to prove to herself and to the family that she was truly worthy of Jotham.

But now, Ramona realized that Liliane’s faith in her was tinged with the benevolence and expectation of someone bestowing favor on a trusted subordinate.

She’d been too young to see it then. Now, thinking of Florence and Phineas, she suddenly understood.

Why, though Florence and Phineas also stood up for her and treated her well, their warmth felt like real family, while Liliane had always been someone she respected and felt indebted to, but could never feel truly at home with.

Because Liliane’s kindness came from above, a kind of patronizing generosity.

Florence and Phineas, on the other hand, offered her equality and respect. They genuinely treated Ramona as their granddaughter-in-law. She didn’t need to do anything special—her happiness alone was enough to make them happy.

“Liliane, the gifts I brought you aren’t some cheap trinkets from a roadside shop. You wouldn’t find these anywhere like that.” Ramona lowered her head, her voice calm and steady.

Her slender fingers unfastened the bag with practiced ease, revealing a simple yet exquisite rosewood box.

When she opened it, the bottom was lined with fine satin. Arranged inside were several plump, perfectly-shaped ginseng roots, each with intact, delicate tendrils.

“These are rare health supplements I had someone specially track down for me—wild mountain ginseng aged fifty years. They’re almost impossible to find on the market. I was in a rush to put them together, so I didn’t have time for fancy packaging.”

“This is…”

Eulalia’s eyes widened in disbelief, leaning in for a closer look.

But last time at the luxury mall, she’d dropped a fortune without blinking, and now she’d gifted supplements worth even more. Her spending habits had changed completely.

Still, at least this time the money had gone to Liliane, for his own family, so he could accept it.

“I spend my own money. Is that a problem?” Ramona replied icily.

Jotham wanted to argue, but since the money was technically hers, he clamped his mouth shut, not wanting to seem petty. “Of course not. I just don’t want you to feel pressured.”

Liliane hadn’t expected Ramona’s gifts to be genuine treasures, and the realization left her a little embarrassed. She quickly took Ramona’s hand again.

“Ramona, I’m touched by your thoughtfulness, but this is far too extravagant. Next time, there’s really no need to spend so much. You don’t need to impress me. All I want is for you and Jotham to put your differences aside, come home, and return to the company.”

She was happy that Ramona cared so much. But knowing she’d spent money from the Holt family still stung.

“Liliane, I appreciate your good intentions,” Ramona replied, gently placing Liliane’s hand aside as she stood. “But there’s nothing going on between Jotham and me that needs resolving. We’ll handle our own affairs. For now, please focus on your recovery.”