The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 178

Just then, a tall man in a sharp suit appeared out of nowhere and blocked his path.

“Hold it right there, sir. No one gets inside without an invitation from a resident.”

Jotham assumed he was just some building security and brushed him off. “Get out of my way! I’m married to the woman who just went inside. Mind your own business.”

But the second he tried to move forward, two more burly men came up behind him. At a subtle nod from the first, they seized his arms in a grip like iron.

These men were nothing like ordinary security guards. Jotham tried to struggle, but he quickly realized he didn’t stand a chance. Their faces were stone cold, and something about their icy presence made his skin crawl.

“Y-You guys—” he managed, but before he could finish, a heavy fist crashed into his nose. Pain and heat exploded in his skull, and the taste of blood filled his mouth—metallic and sickly sweet.

The men let go of his arms only to grab his tie, yanking it so tight he could barely breathe. He was gasping for air by the time they finally released him.

Jotham collapsed to the ground, weak and dazed, but they weren’t done. Without a word, they laid into him with a brutal barrage of punches and kicks.

It wasn’t until he was coughing up blood, barely conscious, that a cold, commanding voice rang out.

“That’s enough.”

Jotham was in so much pain he couldn’t lift his head, but the voice was familiar. He recognized it instantly. It was the same man who’d answered Ramona’s call. The bastard who’d been sleeping with his wife.

Jotham clawed at the ground, trying to push himself up, but one of the men pressed a foot into his back and shoved him down again.

The man who’d just pummeled him growled, his voice as harsh as a judge’s verdict. “Next time you try to hassle her, make sure you have someone ready to collect your body.”

His companion snorted a cold laugh.

It was a long time after they left before Jotham could drag himself to his feet. His stomach burned where they’d kicked him, and he barely made it a few steps before he doubled over, retching up blood and bile. He honestly felt like dying would be easier.

He’d barely caught his breath when a squad of uniformed security guards rushed over, flashlights glaring in his face.

“Who let you in here to harass a resident?” one of them barked. “Get out, or we’re calling the police!”

“You—” Jotham started to curse, but the pain in his ribs stole his breath and he couldn’t get the words out.

He’d parked his car outside the building and slipped the doorman a hefty bribe to get in, but apparently, their loyalty lasted only as long as the cash did.

A few minutes later, Jotham finally staggered back to his car. He was so drained he didn’t even have the strength to drive away.

His phone vibrated. It was Brianna, calling for what must have been the tenth time.

This time, he managed to answer.

“...Hey, come pick me up,” he croaked before she could say a word.

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