The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 143

The moment Brianna’s voice came through the receiver, Winnie lost all composure. She shouted, her voice sharp and shrill, “You little snake! I’m telling you, even if you and Jotham get married, as long as I’m still alive, you’ll never set foot in the Holt family home!”

“Alright, Mom. If you don’t approve, I won’t step into the Holt family’s house.”

Brianna’s tone on the other end was unsettlingly calm, almost laced with a hint of amusement.

Griffin’s brow furrowed. “What are you trying to do?”

“I just want to be with Jotham, that’s all,” Brianna replied, her voice steady. “As long as you don’t make things difficult for us, I’ll do my best to support him and be a good wife—”

She suddenly broke off.

Liliane glanced at Jotham, her clouded eyes reflecting utter resignation.

Winnie, undeterred, continued to seethe. “Keep dreaming!”

Brianna chuckled softly, unfazed by Winnie’s hostility. She spoke again, her voice smooth and unwavering, “I’ve given years of my youth and love to Jotham. Even if we divorce, I’m entitled to half of his assets. And let’s not forget, no matter how you try to push us away, my child is still your blood. Are you really going to say he has no right to inherit?”

She wasn’t wrong. Now that Brianna and Jotham had a child together, things were far more complicated than before.

Griffin’s expression turned increasingly grim; even his breathing grew heavier. He shot Jotham a glare before finally speaking. “Brianna, I can give you a sum of money. Take the child and leave.”

“Dad, it’s not about the money. I just want you to know that I love Jotham. But if you insist on tearing us apart, then I’ll have to protect my marriage in my own way.”

Brianna’s voice grew colder as she realized none of them were willing to give in.

Jotham finally snapped, unable to listen any longer. “Brianna, what exactly are you after?”

“You’ve already gone against Alaric Holt’s will,” Brianna replied. “If nothing changes, then we’ll all go down together.”

She fought to keep the hurt from her voice as she added gently, “If I go public about our relationship, if I reveal everything you’ve done to me and to Milo over the years... well, I doubt it’ll only be the Holt family’s reputation that suffers.”

Of course it wouldn’t just be about their reputation. If Brianna made a scene, Jotham’s secrets would come out, and the Holt Group’s credibility and their shot at taking the company public would all go up in smoke. Jotham himself might be destroyed in the process.

“You’re threatening us?” Griffin’s tone turned glacial. If there was one thing he despised, it was being threatened. Not even Ramona’s attempts to blackmail him with company projects had made him bend, yet now he found himself backed into a corner by Brianna.

“If that’s how you want to see it, Dad, then so be it.”

It wasn’t long before Jotham brought Brianna back into the Holt home.

Though years had passed, the old family estate looked exactly as she remembered. Brianna took off her baseball cap, her hair falling messily around her shoulders. She straightened her posture, determined not to show even a hint of weakness.

Back when she first tutored Jotham, he’d held her hand and led her through that very front door. Back then, his face was bright with joy, and the whole family had welcomed her with open arms. Now, the air was thick with tension and resentment. Jotham stayed silent, his discomfort plain. Griffin and Winnie’s contempt was written all over their faces.

Yet no matter how bitter she felt, Brianna couldn’t help but feel a flicker of triumph. After all these years, she was back.

“You really have no shame,” Winnie muttered, refusing to spare Brianna even a sliver of dignity as she turned away, following Liliane out.

Brianna’s chest rose and fell, but she forced herself to remain calm.

Jotham, worried she might lose control, quickly took her hand. He hadn’t expected her to show up here instead of flying overseas as he’d arranged. Now, his pity and guilt for Brianna were replaced by a prickling sense of wariness. Maybe her gentle act had always been just that—an act. He’d offered his heart, but perhaps she’d planned to trap him from the very start.

Now, with Milo in the picture, he bore responsibility for her, but he had to make sure she didn’t spiral out of control.

“Let’s talk,” Griffin said at last, sounding exhausted. He barely glanced at Brianna before turning and heading for the study.