The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 204

Watching Ramona run her fingers through her hair, a sense of contentment he’d never known filled Ethan’s chest. This woman, usually so distant and composed, was now showing him her most unguarded, everyday self.

Was it only for him that she revealed this softer, more vulnerable side?

Suddenly, the urgent work piled on his desk seemed utterly insignificant compared to the woman on the screen drying her hair.

The sound of the hairdryer stopped, and Ramona fluffed her semi-dry hair before looking back at the screen.

“All done. But… shouldn’t you be getting some rest?” She could see the faint shadows of fatigue under his eyes and felt a pang of concern.

Ethan glanced at the time. It was indeed late.

“Alright.” He let his gaze linger on her face. “I’ll hang up once you’re in bed.”

Ramona obediently climbed under the covers, holding her phone.

“Goodnight, Ethan,” she whispered.

“Goodnight, Ramona.” His voice was a soft murmur, like a secret shared between them. “Wait for me.”

The moment the screen went dark, the room fell silent.

Ramona stared at the ceiling for a long moment before taking a deep breath and rolling onto her side, hugging her pillow. She wrapped her arms around it, as she always did, imagining it was him. Ethan’s frame would be broader, more solid, a much better fit.

In his hotel room on the other side of the world, Ethan sat in the darkness for a few moments before rising and heading to the shower. The cool water did little to quell the quiet fire she had ignited within him. He closed his eyes, her face appearing instantly in his mind—the way she looked nestled against her pillow, whispering goodnight.

He had to move up his return date.

...

Halcyon may have a temper, but Yancey’s actions had been completely out of line. What infuriated him most was that it was all because of that Huxley family’s adopted daughter again. Every time Yancey got involved with her, trouble followed. How many times did he have to get burned before he learned his lesson?

“Miss Loring.” When Halcyon finally appeared, Fenton forced a smile, showing no sign of awkwardness. He got straight to the point. “I heard my son Yancey had a fight with you and called off the engagement.”

Halcyon had expected him to make excuses for Yancey. She was not prepared for him to hit her right where it hurt.

“That’s right. Your son is far too good for me. Perhaps he already had someone else in mind. In that case, he never should have agreed to the arrangement in the first place, don’t you think?” She couldn’t bring herself to be pleasant, her words dripping with sarcasm.

“Nonsense, Miss Loring. You are an exceptional young woman. It is my son who is not good enough for you. If his foolishness has upset you, then I, as his father, apologize. You can name any compensation you’d like, and I will see that you have it.” Fenton had no time to waste and laid his intentions bare.

In Havencrest City, the Loring family was no match for the Covingtons, but their business was international, with Myridia being their biggest market. Even if this incident caused a rift between the two families, the impact on the Lorings would be limited to the local market, which wasn't their focus.

Furthermore, with her parents away, Fenton suspected this headstrong young woman was calling the shots. He knew that even his family's power had its limits there; Yancey was being held on their turf, and Fenton just wanted to resolve the situation as quickly and quietly as possible.