The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 176

Whatever happened at work, whatever chaos waited for him at home—even Brianna’s opinion—none of it mattered. All Jotham knew was this: if Ramona left him now, it would hurt more than death itself.

Ramona sped through the city, weaving through the empty streets. She noticed Jotham’s car tailing her, so at several intersections she deliberately swerved and accelerated, losing him for good.

Frustrated, Jotham watched her car disappear. But suddenly, he remembered something Ramona had once mentioned: the name of her apartment complex.

It was right in the heart of the financial district, the most coveted address in the city. Not long ago, Ramona had demanded a hefty sum to buy a new place there.

Jotham pulled out his phone, punched in the coordinates, and raced toward the building.

The night was deep and the moon shone bright overhead.

Within the gated community, stone-paved walkways gleamed beneath warm golden lights. A row of manicured evergreens stood silent sentinel at the entrance to the private residences.

Ramona drove straight into her garage and killed the engine. But the moment she stepped out of the car, she was blindsided by a figure lunging at her from behind.

“So this was your plan all along? Is it because I treated you too well these past few years that you’re sick of me now?”

Jotham’s voice was ragged, his words almost spat through clenched teeth. He shoved her hard against the car. His eyes were bloodshot, hands gripping her shoulders so tightly they left imprints. Fury twisted his voice into something unrecognizable.

“Tell me, who is he? Why can’t you wait to throw yourself into another man’s arms? After everything I’ve done for you, does my trust mean nothing to you, Ramona? Do you even have a heart?”

The thought of Ramona betraying him made Jotham want to throttle her, but as he stared into her face, his rage slowly gave way to something else—a wounded, desperate vulnerability.

Ramona had always been susceptible to pity plays. He knew arguing logic wouldn’t work. What mattered now was getting her back.

As for that other man… and her betrayal? He’d settle the score with her one day.

Ramona’s back throbbed from the impact, but her eyes turned cold as ice. She stopped struggling. Instead, she lifted her gaze, her eyes sharp as daggers, cutting straight through him.

“Jotham,” she said quietly, her voice low but chilling enough to freeze bone. “Stop pretending you care. Doesn’t this act disgust even you?”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Jotham’s heart skipped. Panic flickered in his eyes.

She really did seem different now.

Ramona had always been strikingly beautiful, an ice queen when she wasn’t smiling. But after they got together, her eyes had always been soft, full of warmth and forgiveness. He’d grown used to her gentle, yielding ways.

“You really want me to spell it out for you?” Ramona took a slow breath, fighting back the revulsion she felt just standing this close to him.

Sure, he had a handsome, refined face—but inside? He was already rotten. To her, he was no better than trash. Even talking to him felt dirty.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he still tried to deny it.

Ramona had no patience left for his games.

“Our marriage license is a fake. You and Brianna are the real couple.”

She had planned to hold onto this card until she’d destroyed the Holt family completely.

But plans changed. Jotham just wouldn’t let go, and now, she was married to Ethan. There was no point in dragging this out anymore.

“Ramona… When did you—?”

Jotham’s lips went pale, the light in his eyes fading. It felt like a bullet had punched through his chest, leaving him breathless and shaken.

In a sudden rush, the truth crashed over him. No wonder she’d become so cold, no wonder she’d demanded shares in the company, no wonder she’d brought another man around just to spite him.

She knew everything. She wanted revenge.

Jotham couldn’t think straight. Terror overtook him, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. His lips parted, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled and he collapsed to the ground in front of Ramona.