The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 172

“I’m not saying I don’t trust you…” Ethan’s expression finally softened when he saw how worried Ramona was for him. “But Ramona, I’m a possessive man. The more I care about someone, the less rational I get sometimes…”

“Ethan, you really shouldn’t say things that make people blush all the time,” Ramona murmured, unable to meet his gaze.

Ethan always had that composed, self-restrained face, yet he spoke words that could set her heart on fire.

Ramona looked down, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of his affection.

“I mean it,” Ethan said, his voice dropping lower. “I’m afraid I’ll lose control, and I don’t ever want you to grow tired of me.”

His tone shifted, and for a moment, the powerful aura he usually carried seemed to fall away. Ramona’s heart trembled—she suddenly glimpsed his vulnerability. Was he really so worried that his possessiveness might hurt her?

“I won’t,” she replied without hesitation.

“Really?” Ethan’s brows drew together slightly. He managed a faint smile, but there was a shadow behind his eyes—something Ramona couldn’t quite decipher.

“Of course. As long as you never lie to me or hurt me, I’ll never get tired of you…” Ramona’s voice faltered. Her cheeks burned, and she dropped her voice even lower. “I… I really like you, too.”

“…Ramona.”

Ethan’s heart softened, and a sudden impulse took hold of him. He swept her up and laid her gently back onto the bed.

Night had settled fully over the room, silver moonlight spilling in through the window, casting a shimmering glow over everything.

Ramona’s body was almost unbearably sensitive; just a few teasing touches had her breathless and trembling. She held tightly to Ethan’s hand, nerves fluttering in her chest.

But just as they reached the edge, Ethan’s restraint snapped back into place. Sensing her tremble, he stilled.

He propped himself over her, gazing down at her in the dim moonlight.

Ramona’s eyes were rimmed red, her gaze soft and shimmering, the rapid rise and fall of her breath accentuating the delicate lines of her collarbone… and Ethan found his self-control wavering all over again.

“What’s wrong?” Ramona’s voice was hazy with longing, then she dropped her gaze, shy and uncertain. “Did I… do something wrong?”

“Of course not,” Ethan’s answer was rough, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s just… I can’t bear to.”

Ramona was a vision of temptation, but she was also as precious and untouched as a rare jewel.

The thought of hurting her, even a little, was unbearable.

“You’re so special…” He swallowed, each word difficult but certain. “I want to wait for our wedding night, to give you something worth remembering for the rest of our lives.”

Ramona’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and emotion shimmering there. “Ethan…”

But before she could say more, Ethan gently straightened her collar, wrapping her softly in his arms, his palm warm against her back.

Ramona had thought she was ready, but Ethan’s resolve was absolute. He cherished her more fiercely than she cherished herself.

That feeling washed away the last of her restless longing, leaving only a deep, melting tenderness.

A tenderness softer than the moonlight pouring quietly over them.

“Holt Group is preparing to go public?” Ethan’s brows arched as he studied the report.

Going public or going bankrupt—he doubted they even knew which way their company was headed.

“Sir, the chairman expressly told me to remind you—don’t get involved,” Ash said quickly.

Zadkiel had warned him time and again. The Jordon family had worked hard for their current reputation; if Ethan started targeting other companies for personal reasons, their family’s standing would be at risk.

Most importantly, if it happened once, it could happen again. Zadkiel didn’t want Ethan to lose his judgment because of Ramona.

“Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?” Ethan replied coldly. “I’m interested in every project Holt Group has. Take them. Have our people in Havencrest City put out the word, but do it discreetly.”

With Holt Group’s projects snatched away and a few rumors strategically circulated, Ethan wouldn’t even have to act directly—Holt Group would collapse on its own.

But this had to be done quietly, or Zadkiel would step in to stop him.

“Yes, sir,” Ash replied, remembering something else. “You asked me to look into Holden and Melinda. Here’s a summary of their recent activities and connections.”

Ash pulled a file from his briefcase and set it on the desk.

Ethan nodded. He was just about to set aside the Holt Group report when he caught something on the last page: Covington Group’s investment.

“Who from Covington Group is backing Holt Group?”