The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 202

“It’s okay. You don’t have to rush next time. Just call me back when you’re settled.” Ramona leaned closer to the screen, studying his face.

The camera was right up in his face, and the lighting was harsh, but his features were striking enough to withstand any angle. Even the glimpse of his Adam’s apple and the sharp line of his jaw were as captivating as a movie star’s live stream.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Ethan asked, finally noticing her intense gaze after setting his phone down on the desk.

“Don’t move. I’m checking to see… if you’ve been working yourself to death. Are you exhausted?” Her tone was light, but her wide, blinking eyes were completely serious. She’d told him to prioritize his rest and health, and she meant to hold him to it.

“I’m not tired,” he chuckled, leaning closer to the screen as well, letting her examine his face. Though they were separated by a screen, the warmth in his eyes was palpable, making her feel as if she could sense his very breath and heartbeat.

Ramona instinctively reached out, her fingertip gently touching the corner of his eye on the screen. The glass was cool, yet she could almost imagine the warmth of his skin.

A jolt went through Ethan. He was suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to be by her side, to hold her in his arms. “Ramona…”

“Okay, you don’t look too worn out. Ash must be doing a good job of making you rest.” Her expression softened, but her voice held a hint of concern she couldn’t quite hide. She knew he was still pushing himself. It was after ten, and he’d only just gotten back to the hotel. If he hadn’t been busy, he would have called her sooner.

“He wouldn’t dare disobey your orders,” Ethan said softly, then added with a teasing, affectionate note, “They’re more effective than mine these days.”

Ramona’s lips curved into a smile. She pulled her hand back, settled into her chair, and began to stir the pasta in her bowl. “By the way, I visited Grandma and Mom before coming back tonight. I gave them their gifts. They absolutely loved them and couldn’t stop complimenting me.”

“…I was so happy,” she admitted.

It was such a small thing, but Ramona couldn’t help but share the details with Ethan. She’d never experienced that kind of validation from her family before. To be praised so much for something so simple was a new feeling. She remembered how Florence’s eyes had even welled up when she presented the gifts.

“Ramona,” Ethan’s voice was gentle but firm, tinged with a slight smile. “A truly ruthless person would never think of themselves as ruthless or cruel.”

“You told me not to care what others think, that once a decision is made, there’s no need for hesitation. If you weren’t Ramona, Benedict Covington’s daughter, without the courage and ability to fight back against the Holts, they would have torn you to pieces without a shred of mercy.” As he spoke, a look of pain crossed his face.

His words were like a soothing balm, washing away the strange heaviness in her heart. Ramona looked at him and softly murmured, “Mm.”

“Besides… even if you were the most vengeful person in the world, I’d still love you.” Suddenly, as if to cheer her up, Ethan added the line unexpectedly.

Ramona broke into a genuine laugh and teased back, “So if you hurt me someday and I retaliated just like this, you’d still love me?”

“Yes,” he answered without a moment’s hesitation. Then, his gaze flickered, and he posed a question of his own. “But if I ever did hurt you, would you be that ruthless with me?”