The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 162

“Mom! Mom! Help me!”

Milo wailed, his cries torn and desperate as he screamed for Brianna.

Panic surged through Brianna. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Jotham from behind, putting all her strength into holding him back. “Jotham! What’s gotten into you today? Don’t take your anger out on our son! Are you really going to beat him over something so trivial?”

At last, after several harsh blows, Jotham’s rage began to ebb. He let go, and Brianna immediately scooped Milo into her embrace.

“There, there, darling, it’s all right. Mommy’s here… you’re safe now.”

The way Brianna coddled Milo left Jotham speechless with frustration.

His mother had been right—how could Brianna ever hope to raise Milo properly like this? If anything, Milo stood a better chance of turning out well under Ramona’s care.

Irritated, Jotham yanked off his tie and stalked off to the bathroom for a shower. He turned the water as cold as it would go, letting the chill bite at his skin until he was shivering, only then stepping out and hastily toweling off.

When Jotham came out, Brianna was waiting for him on the sofa.

After some comforting, Milo had been handed off to a maid and taken to bed. But Brianna’s anger hadn’t subsided.

Jotham had no interest in another argument. He changed clothes, intent on leaving.

“You’re not staying tonight?”

Brianna hadn’t expected him to just walk out; she jumped up and grabbed his arm.

“I have a meeting early tomorrow. It’s better if I get some rest at home,” Jotham replied icily.

“You’ve been cold to me for days. If you’re still angry, then let’s talk it out. Don’t just give me the silent treatment, and don’t take it out on Milo!”

Brianna’s words only stoked Jotham’s temper.

“Take it out on him? Milo’s a little tyrant because you never discipline him. My mother’s fallen ill from all the stress you’ve caused, and this house is a disaster. Tell me, who’s really at fault here? Me, or your refusal to do what’s right?”

“Jotham!” Brianna stared at him in disbelief. “How can you say that? Have you any conscience left?”

She’d borne his child, endured years of blame from the Holts just to have a sliver of standing in this family, and now he pinned every problem on her?

“I’m done talking. I have a headache.”

Jotham pressed a hand to his brow. He had no desire to fight anymore.

But Brianna refused to let go. “You’re not leaving tonight. If you walk out that door, tomorrow Milo and I will be gone!”

“Stop this nonsense.”

“Fine, then I’ll go talk to your dad! Are we supposed to live apart for the rest of our lives?”

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