The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 194

“And then there’s the Holt Group. Their core data is in my hands, riddled with holes. Now the authorities are investigating, and any hope of going public is gone. Anyone who invests in them now is just throwing money down the drain.”

Ethan had never been the type to pry into other people’s affairs. His attention had always been fixed squarely on himself, and sometimes he found listening to others a chore.

But Ramona was the exception. He loved seeing her happy, hanging onto every story she told. Every detail, he wanted to know.

Ramona suddenly realized she might have said too much. She caught Ethan watching her, his gaze unwavering, and immediately worried that she’d come off the wrong way.

“Ethan, do you think I’m too vengeful?”

“Not at all.”

He laced his fingers through hers and pulled her gently closer, pressing his lips softly to her forehead.

“If I handled things my way, they wouldn’t even get the chance to regret it.”

His voice was low as his thumb traced slow circles over the back of her hand. The calm in his tone was unmistakable, but so was the hint of indulgence. “So do whatever you want. If the sky falls, I’ll be here to hold it up.”

Ramona’s breath caught, warmth rushing through her. She breathed in the comforting scent of him and felt herself melt.

She was just about to speak when Ethan glanced at his watch.

“I really should get going.”

There was genuine regret in his voice, but he let her go and stood up.

Ramona followed, smoothing the already immaculate collar of his shirt. Ethan caught her wrist, drawing her close for a brief but unmistakable kiss on her lips.

“Three video calls a day,” he reminded her, giving her palm a gentle squeeze. “Don’t make me worry.”

Ramona’s cheeks flushed pink. She gave him a playful shove. “Go on, Mr. Jordon.”

The forty-minute drive passed in a heartbeat. Somewhere along the way, Ramona wrapped her arms around him, suddenly reluctant to let go. It was just one week, they kept telling themselves that, but it felt like a much longer goodbye.

She pressed her face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his clean, familiar scent as if trying to memorize it.

“Ethan,” she mumbled, her voice muffled, “I’m going to miss you.”

“Then I won’t go.” He tightened his hold, drawing her closer, his chin brushing the top of her head.

For a moment, something bright flickered in Ramona’s eyes.

But she knew Ethan wasn’t joking. He really might turn right back around.

“Don’t. Work is important.”

Whatever was taking him away for a week, it had to be serious. She couldn’t be selfish now.

“I could always quit as CEO of Jordon Group. Let you support me instead.” Ethan teased, though his tone was completely straight.

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