The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 195

Inside the private VIP lounge at the airport, Ethan was waiting for someone. He sat with his head bowed, scrolling through the project report he needed to discuss, but his mind kept drifting back to the way Ramona had looked at him before she left.

“What time is it?” he asked, setting his phone down and glancing at Ash, who was seated beside him.

Ash checked his watch. “It’s nine o’clock.”

Knowing exactly what Ethan was getting at, Ash added, “They should be here any minute.”

This time, Jordon Group had secured a project of national importance—a heavy-hitting contract three years in the making. The project site lay on the remote southwestern border, nestled where two countries’ mountain ranges met. Both governments were investing, and it was a flagship initiative that Jordon Group had fought hard to win.

Ethan’s business trip was to mark the project’s official launch.

But this wasn’t just a commercial venture. The project carried a strong humanitarian mission as well, so each country was sending a “public interest representative” to document the launch and symbolize their friendship, working together to improve living standards in the mountain region.

The notification had come last minute. The higher-ups had already finalized the representative, who also happened to be in Havencrest City and would be traveling with Ethan, chronicling everything from the moment they departed.

Along the way, there’d be an interview, too, meant for Jordon Group’s promotional material.

Ethan had originally wanted Ash to handle the pickup, but the representative’s assistant politely declined, simply confirming the time and location. They promised to arrive on schedule.

Just as Ash finished speaking, the door to the VIP lounge swung open.

Nadia entered, led by a staff member.

The moment Ethan saw her, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by his usual calm, inscrutable composure. He hadn’t expected the public interest representative to be Nadia.

But considering the Shepard family’s background, securing such a role was hardly a challenge. Besides, he remembered Nadia’s grandfather had once been sent alone to Fresnia Country as a development envoy—a post that lasted ten years.

Since this project involved Fresnia’s participation, and was meant to promote goodwill, it made perfect sense for someone from the Shepard family to represent them.

“Mr. Jordon, as the public interest representative for this project, I look forward to working with you,” Nadia said, breaking the awkward silence as she extended her hand. Her tone was all business, giving no hint of anything personal.

Ethan regarded her coolly, not taking her hand. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “Miss Shepard, you’ve only just recovered. This trip will be demanding. I’m not sure you’re up for it.”

Nadia smiled lightly. “I know what you’re worried about, but don’t. I’m here for the job. I already said what needed to be said when you visited me at the hospital. Let’s not let our personal history get in the way.”

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