The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 170

But to Brianna’s surprise, Jotham gently moved Milo aside, determined to leave.

“Milo, be good. Daddy has work to do. Go find your mom, okay?”

“Jotham, do you really not want to be with me anymore?” Brianna’s voice rose, heedless of the staff nearby. “You never used to treat me this coldly. Is it true what they say? That people only want what they can’t have?”

Her anger boiled over, tears pooling in her eyes, heavy with hurt and resentment. “Jotham!”

Just then, Griffin stepped through the front door. He paused at the staircase, catching fragments of their argument. Brianna and Milo stood close to Jotham, who was clutching his coat, clearly set on leaving. Griffin quickly took in the scene.

“It’s late. Where are you going?” Griffin’s tone was firm, but not unkind. “Brianna told me you had a headache. Are you feeling any better?”

“I’m much better,” Jotham replied quietly, lowering his gaze. “There’s still work waiting for me at the office. I lost a whole day and need to check in.”

“Work can wait a day. Your health comes first, and so does not worrying your family.”

Griffin’s voice was calm but carried a rare, gentle warmth, despite the exhaustion etched into his features. He’d spent the entire day at the office—hectic as always—but there had been a bright spot: investors from Covington Group had agreed to meet with them next week.

The last thing Griffin wanted was for Jotham to stir up trouble now, especially with Brianna.

Jotham opened his mouth to protest, but before he could speak, Griffin told the housekeeper to lock the door and asked Jotham to join him in the study for a talk.

Brianna understood that Griffin was trying to help her. She shot him a grateful look and swiftly took Jotham’s coat from his hands.

By the time Jotham emerged from the study, night had fallen completely. He stood outside the bedroom, reluctant to go in.

Holt Group was on the verge of its best days yet. With Covington Group’s partnership on the horizon, they could be going public in a matter of months. The business side of his life was finally falling into place, yet that only meant he’d have to face his personal life.

He used to think he’d hold out with Brianna until the family relented, until his career was secure… but now that moment was finally here, he didn’t feel the triumph he’d expected.

Ramona was no longer useful to the company, but she was still, in name, his wife, and she still loved him so much.

To tear off the mask now, to leave her in such a cruel, final way…

She’d hate him for it, wouldn’t she?

Jotham used to think about this with guilt, but never with real doubt. Whatever happened to Ramona, all of his gratitude and love belonged to Brianna. Being with Brianna was worth whatever sacrifice it took.

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