The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 129

With Liliane putting it that way, neither Jotham nor Winnie dared to protest further. But from the tone of her voice, it didn’t sound like Liliane planned to press charges.

Winnie let out a silent sigh of relief and quickly tried to defend Jotham, “It was all Brianna’s scheming. She’s been desperate to get close to Jotham again, to seduce him. Jotham’s mind is always on the company and his family. He only got caught up in this by accident…”

As she spoke, she reached over and gently tapped her son’s arm, trying to comfort him.

But Jotham kept his head down, silent as ever. He knew he couldn’t pin all of this on Brianna alone.

“If I’d come here to lay blame, I wouldn’t be wasting my breath with all this talk,” Liliane said, gripping her cane, her voice heavy with disappointment. She let out a sigh that was half exasperation, half resignation.

She’d always liked Ramona—she was sensible and considerate, the perfect granddaughter-in-law. That peace of mind had allowed her to step back and enjoy her golden years. Who could have guessed that in just two years, even Ramona would change so much?

“So, Brianna’s the reason Ramona’s upset with you. But now that’s over with, you should apologize to her, Jotham. Explain things between you and Brianna, and ask Ramona to come home.”

Jotham looked as if he wanted to say something, but stopped himself. True, Brianna was at fault, but Ramona’s behavior these days had left him simmering, too.

He’d given her so many chances, had even defended her when she got into trouble, but she’d stayed cold toward him all the same. He felt bitter. He didn’t want to be the one to apologize again.

Winnie was reluctant as well, but just as she opened her mouth to say a few words in Jotham’s defense, Liliane shot her a sharp glare that made her shrink back.

Without another word, Liliane pulled out her phone and dialed Ramona’s number.

The first call went unanswered. She called again.

“It’s still early. She probably hasn’t woken up yet…” Jotham said anxiously, worried that Ramona might actually ignore Liliane’s call.

But Liliane was persistent. Sure enough, after a moment, the call went through.

“Hello?”

Ramona’s sleepy voice came over the line. She hadn’t fully woken up yet; the phone had been vibrating nonstop, so she’d answered on instinct.

“Ramona, dear…”

The moment Liliane’s voice reached her, Ramona jolted awake. She sat upright, rubbing her forehead, “Mrs. Holt?”

“Why so formal? I’ve been resting these past few days, and you haven’t called me once. Have you decided to stop caring about this old lady altogether?” Liliane’s words were tinged with gentle reproach, but her tone was warm, almost maternal.

Ramona glanced at the clock—it was just past seven. She and Ethan had stayed up talking late the night before, almost until dawn. She had barely managed to keep her eyes open before finally saying goodnight and heading to her own room to sleep.

Ethan was probably still asleep, too.

Liliane brought up Brianna, and Ramona tensed, thinking Liliane was about to come clean about something.

But instead, Liliane changed tack, her tone suddenly reassuring, “She’s already middle-aged and still hasn’t settled down. She’s jealous of your happy marriage with Jotham, so she tried to stir up trouble. But I can promise you, Jotham only has eyes for you. Brianna’s just using the fact that she was once Jotham’s teacher to get close to him, but nothing ever happened between them! Ramona, you mustn’t let such a trivial thing ruin your marriage!”

Liliane’s earnest explanation laid all the blame at Brianna’s feet. Any remaining responsibility was neatly shifted onto Ramona. Jotham, somehow, became the wounded party.

Ramona almost wanted to laugh. As soon as Liliane finished, she quickly handed the phone to Jotham.

“Jotham, come here. Right in front of me, promise Ramona you and Brianna never had anything between you, all right?”

“Grandma…” Jotham reluctantly took the phone Liliane pressed into his hand, but he didn’t want to speak.

“There’s no need.” Ramona spoke up at almost the exact same moment.

Her voice was cold as ice. Even softened by the phone, the chill still seeped through, though it mostly came off as stubbornness.

“Liliane, I only kept quiet before because you were sick. But the truth is, there’s nothing between Jotham and me anymore.”

The words landed like a thunderclap. Both Liliane and Jotham’s faces went pale.