The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 218

Ramona answered, and Fenton informed her that he was near the office and wanted to have lunch with her. He wouldn’t be calling for no reason; he must want something.

Sure enough, when she arrived at the private room in the restaurant, she saw him smoking on the balcony outside. Fenton rarely smoked. He was a health fanatic; his home library was filled with books on wellness, and he employed a private nutritionist who even gave lessons to his household staff.

“Uncle Fenton,” Ramona greeted him.

Fenton quickly stubbed out his cigarette. “You’re here! Come, sit.”

After a few pleasantries, he enthusiastically encouraged her to order.

Ramona had no appetite and chose only two dishes, but Fenton waved his hand and added several of the restaurant’s specialties.

“Uncle Fenton, is there something you needed to talk to me about?”

He hesitated, his smile fading. “Let’s eat first.”

“I won’t be able to enjoy the meal if I don’t know what’s on your mind. Let’s just talk about it now.” Ramona looked him in the eye, her voice calm but her heart pounding with a strange sense of foreboding.

Fenton glanced at the waiter. As soon as they were alone, he lowered his voice. “You and the Jordon family… are you still on good terms?”

At the mention of the Jordon family, Ramona’s expression changed. “What are you trying to say?”

Seeing her tension, Fenton dropped the pretense. “I only just heard a rumor, and I wasn’t sure if I should tell you… with the new drug launch at Covington Group, I was afraid you might act rashly.”

“What happened?” The bad feeling intensified, and her voice trembled.

Fenton sighed, his voice low. “It’s Ethan. He’s been in an accident.”

Ramona swayed, her hand gripping the table for support as she held her breath, waiting for him to continue. “What… what kind of accident?”

Fenton couldn't meet her gaze. “He was seriously injured in the mountains. The situation is… not good. If he doesn’t make it, I’m worried about your marriage alliance—”

“What do you mean, ‘if he doesn’t make it’?” Ramona’s voice broke. The moment she heard Ethan’s name, her mind went blank, flooded with a roaring panic that made it impossible to think.

A smirk played on her lips. “Zadkiel really is the most cold-hearted of them all. His son might be dying, and his first thought is to stabilize the company?”

“…Mom, is this really a good idea?” Holden couldn't help but ask. The Jordon family was an important business partner.

“Ethan was protecting Ramona. This was my only option.” Melinda, in a good mood, didn’t scold him for questioning her. She went to the liquor cabinet and poured two glasses of wine, one for herself and one for him, as if in celebration.

Holden took the glass, his brow furrowed. “Even if Ethan is out of the picture and the Jordon family is preoccupied, I don't see how that will affect Ramona.”

He knew what Melinda was planning; he had seen Fenton’s car earlier. With the launch of the new drug, if Ramona were to abandon her duties at such a critical time, it would be a major blunder, enough to have her removed from her position.

But he didn't think Ramona was the type to be ruled by her emotions. She had been with Jotham for six years, and the moment he crossed her, she had retaliated without mercy, nearly bankrupting his family.

And with Nadia in the picture—Holden had already given her a few pointers, and she had learned her lesson this time. While news of Ethan’s injury was being suppressed, those "intimate" photos had already been leaked. Would Ramona really risk her career for a man who might be cheating on her?

“Holden, you’re still so naive. Did you really think I would leave her a way out?”