The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 201

She knew everything that had happened at the company.

And while she was just as furious as the rest of the Holt family, as Mrs. Holt, it was her duty to hold the family together and support Jotham. She couldn't afford to lose her composure.

At Liliane’s age, it wasn’t wise for her to stay at the hospital for long. Once Griffin Holt was stabilized, Winnie had taken it upon herself to get the elderly woman home safely, leaving Brianna to manage things at the hospital and look after Jotham.

Brianna took a few deep breaths. Thinking about what Ramona had done to the Holt family and to Jotham made her seethe with a fury that was impossible to contain.

She couldn't even bring herself to look at the news reports. The comment sections were a deluge of vitriol, all of it aimed at her and Jotham, each insult more vicious than the last.

These online trolls, always eager for drama, judged others from their moral high ground, when in reality, their own lives were probably a mess. A bunch of pathetic losers who got their kicks from spewing venom online, with far too much time on their hands.

In less than a morning, Brianna's personal social media accounts had been dug up and exposed. Her carefully cultivated reputation, her pristine image in her social circles—all of it was in ruins. Friends and former students were messaging her, asking if the rumors were true. Some of the influential connections she’d spent years building had already deleted her contact information without a word. The fallout for her was every bit as severe as it was for Jotham and the Holt family.

Brianna helped Jotham up from the floor. He was completely lifeless, his eyes vacant and unfocused.

It took him a long moment to even register her presence. His throat worked. “You should go home. I’ll stay here with Dad. It’s best if you lay low for a while.”

“This is when we, as husband and wife, need to face this together. Jotham, don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you to handle this alone.” Brianna’s voice was gentle as she wrapped her arms around him.

Though Jotham didn't respond, a profound sense of satisfaction washed over her.

The worst had happened, but perhaps it wasn’t entirely a bad thing. From this day forward, Jotham would finally see Ramona for who she truly was, give up on her for good, and cut ties completely. And she, Brianna, could finally take her rightful place as Mrs. Holt. The online storm would eventually pass; who would still care about this scandal in a few months?

As for the company, they still owned half the shares in Holt Group. If Ramona wanted to make it her own, she’d have to take it public first. They had plenty of time to turn the tables.

...

It was afternoon by the time Ramona finished the general meeting at Holt Group. After forcing Jotham and Griffin’s resignations, she moved swiftly to restructure the company’s core leadership.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify