The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 114

Given how tight-knit the Holt family is, maybe once they find out the truth, Brianna won’t need to keep hiding…

If Milo wants to stay with Brianna, then if she gets thrown out, he shouldn’t be allowed to stay behind either.

It’s simple, really. All Winnie and the others need to know is that Milo is Brianna’s child.

After finishing the call, Ramona dragged her exhausted body into the elevator. But the moment she reached her apartment door, she saw a familiar figure.

It was Ethan. He didn’t look well.

Ramona couldn’t tell how long he’d been waiting there. He stood wrapped in his coat, leaning against the wall, idly turning the pair of gemstone cufflinks she’d once given him between his fingers.

In the vast, empty hallway, his tall figure looked oddly forlorn, almost heartbreakingly so.

“Mr. Jordon? What are you…” Ramona’s heart skipped a beat. Halfway through her question, she remembered—Ethan had mentioned seeing her tonight before she’d left that morning. But her mind had been elsewhere, and she’d forgotten all about it.

Glancing at her phone, she realized Ethan had texted her over three hours ago, asking if she wanted to grab dinner together.

She hadn’t replied, and he hadn’t followed up.

“I went by Covington Group to find you, but they said you’d left ages ago. When you didn’t text back, I got worried. So I came over to check on you.”

He spoke without looking up, his voice low, finally pushing himself away from the shadowed wall.

For some reason, Ramona felt a chill radiating from him tonight. She hurried to him. “Why didn’t you call? How long have you been here?”

He had tried calling, but she’d been on another call.

As a child, he used to phone home whenever he had the chance, but nobody ever answered. Over time, he’d grown wary of making calls, especially when he knew there’d be no reply.

He didn’t explain, just said, “A while.”

“I’m sorry for making you wait. I must’ve been gone ages.” Ramona moved closer and slipped her arms gently around his waist.

The temperature had dropped tonight, and the cold clung to his coat in a thin, frosty layer.

Her gentle gesture seemed to ease the shadow in Ethan’s eyes, though he still slowly disentangled himself.

“It’s late. You should get some rest.”

“Mr. Jordon, are you—are you mad at me?” Ramona was surprised by his coolness. As he turned to leave, she reached for his hand.

“I’m not,” he replied instantly, but his voice caught a little, sounding stiff and unconvincing.

“Is it because I forgot you were coming, or because I didn’t reply to your text?”

“…Ethan.” Ramona murmured shyly, “So… will you stay?”

His answer was immediate—a gentle “Yes,” breathed against her ear.

His voice was low and kind, his breath warm on her cheek, almost like a kiss.

Ramona felt her composure slipping. Flustered, she quickly turned to unlock the door, tugging Ethan inside by the hand.

Once they were home, she switched on the light, kicked off her shoes, and pulled a brand-new pair of men’s slippers from the cabinet, setting them quietly at his feet.

“I bought these especially for you. Try them on, see if they fit?”

Ethan looked down at the slippers, something bright and tender flickering in his eyes. Without even trying them on, he said quietly, “I love them.”

Ramona couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes crinkling as she gazed at him.

Ethan watched her smile, his own expression softening. “What’s so funny?” he asked.

“I was just thinking…” she replied, her voice light and teasing, “People say the heir to the Jordon Group is cold and intimidating, but only I know the truth…”

She paused, looking into his deep, steady eyes. “You’re actually ridiculously easy to please, and incredibly gentle.”