The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 180

Even though they were talking business, the man’s deep, magnetic voice sounded almost like he was trying to seduce her.

As those slow, deliberate words faded, Ramona found her gaze drawn to the pronounced curve of his Adam’s apple.

Suddenly, Ethan shifted toward her, about to press his lips to hers.

Ramona blinked, holding her breath. “I think… there probably is…”

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his breath growing heavier. Her tone was clearly in sync with his, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink that made her look irresistibly sweet, like fruit you couldn’t help but want a bite of.

“But that’s nothing for us to worry about… Holden’s always been the type to overthink things,” Ramona murmured as she felt Ethan leaning in even closer, her voice growing softer. “I…”

She never finished. As expected, Ethan’s lips found hers.

His kiss was careful, gentle—a soft brush against the corner of her mouth, then a teasing pull at her lower lip.

“You haven’t heard about Covington Group investing in Holt Group, have you?”

Ramona’s heart was pounding and her face was burning; she was just about to give in completely when Ethan’s words yanked her right back to reality.

“Covington Group is investing in Holt Group?!”

She sat up abruptly, her hand instinctively pressing against Ethan’s chest. He grunted, a faint crease appearing between his brows.

“I’m sorry, did that hurt?”

“Not at all. With those kitten paws of yours, how could you possibly hurt me?”

Ethan caught her wandering hand before she could get into more trouble, tucking it securely against his side.

It hadn’t really hurt, of course, but she’d managed to press right on a sensitive spot, sending an involuntary shiver through him.

A faint blush crept over Ethan’s face, though he quickly suppressed it. He was still a man; staying composed around the woman he loved was no easy feat.

“Who’s behind this? Holden and Melinda? Did they invest in Holt Group just to spite me?”

Ramona felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her. She was both furious and anxious.

Seeing how much she cared, that tiny trace of jealousy in Ethan’s heart disappeared entirely. He’d always known—Ramona would never have feelings for that man.

“Supporting Holt Group doesn’t cost Covington Group much, but having Jotham dropping by Covington’s offices all the time, constantly running into you, it’ll definitely draw gossip.”

It wasn’t enough to do any real harm, but it was more than enough to stir up trouble.

Ethan’s words laid bare Holden’s petty motives. He didn’t expect to ruin Ramona with one move, but he was never short on underhanded tricks.

“So, what are you going to do about it, Ramona?”

When it came to the Covingtons, there was no choice but to roll with the punches. Still, Ethan was confident—they wouldn’t dare lay a hand on Ramona while he was around. All they could do was play these low-level games. And Ramona was more than capable of handling those herself.

In fact, as soon as Ethan finished speaking, she seemed to think of something. Her lips curled into a sly smile.

“What is it?”

“…I wanted to count your eyelashes.”

Ethan looked at her, his eyes wide awake and knowing, as if he’d seen right through her little scheme.

“Count my eyelashes?” he repeated, his voice low and teasing, with a playful rasp in the tail end. “Just my eyelashes? Or do you want to know every inch of me…”

She could hear the mischief in his tone, and her ears burned. She tried to pull her hand away, but he drew her closer, locking her in his arms. His warmth seeped through his thin pajamas, heating her skin.

“I’ve got a big project next week. I’ll be away on business,” he murmured, his lips nearly brushing her ear, his breath hot against her skin. “Probably a week.”

Ramona froze for a moment, feeling an unexpected emptiness inside. “That long?”

“When I get back,” Ethan continued, his voice low and certain, “we’ll have our wedding.”

His hand slid up her back, the gesture both a promise and a barely restrained desire. “…And then, I won’t be giving you any more chances to count my eyelashes.”

His words were gentle, but they landed heavy on Ramona’s heart. She understood exactly what he meant, ducking her head in bashful silence. “Okay.”

...

The next morning, Nova slipped quietly into Ramona’s office.