The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 223

“You mean… Ramona is here?”

Nadia froze. Hadn’t Ethan ordered a media blackout? Even the Jordon family had only just found out, and from the look of things, they hadn’t intended to tell Ramona.

How… how did she get here so quickly?

Ash’s expression was cold and resolute. “That’s right. Miss Jarrett is inside. It’s best if you leave, Ms. Shepard.”

A look of disappointment flickered in Nadia’s eyes. Her lips parted, but she said nothing more. In her hands, she held a basket of tonics she’d brought for Ethan, hoping he would wake up today and see her first.

But with Ramona here, that hope was dashed.

Just as she was about to turn away, dejected, the door opened.

“Ms. Shepard.”

Ramona had heard the commotion outside and stepped out.

The moment their eyes met, Nadia felt a pang of guilt and quickly looked away. “Ramona, Ethan isn't doing well. Thank you for taking good care of him.”

She lowered her head and offered the basket to Ramona.

Worried Ramona might be upset, Ash started to intervene, but Ramona calmly accepted it.

“I accept your concern on my husband’s behalf,” Ramona said, her voice devoid of emotion. Her lips curved, but there was no smile in her eyes. “However, taking care of him is my responsibility as his wife. I don't need you to worry about that.”

Nadia had expected Ramona to question her, at the very least. Instead, Ramona treated her presence with an unnerving indifference, as if it were perfectly normal.

Did she trust Ethan that much? Did the news she leaked not faze her at all?

Her pride stung once more, but she was too exhausted to argue. She glanced through the crack in the door at Ethan, then turned and left without another word.

After Nadia was gone, Ash quickly explained that she was there as a public interest representative and that Mr. Jordon hadn't known she would be so involved.

Ramona merely nodded, her expression unreadable. It was impossible to tell if she cared or was completely unbothered.

Ash, unable to guess her thoughts, took the basket from her. “Ma’am, I’ll take care of this.”

Ramona didn’t object. The tonics were still warm, and with Ethan still unconscious, it would be a waste to throw them out.

That evening, Florence came to the hospital.

Every day Ethan remained unconscious was another day closer to danger.

Listening to their conversation, Ramona’s hands clenched, a chill spreading through her.

Florence offered to stay with her overnight, but Ramona insisted she go back and rest, finally having to put her foot down and arrange for someone to escort her.

After seeing Florence off, Ramona returned to the room to find Shelby on the phone in a corner. She seemed to be updating Zadkiel, her voice choked with tears. After a moment of silence, she snapped, “He’s your son!” and hung up.

Ramona waited a moment before re-entering the room.

Shelby turned, composing herself before offering Ramona a gentle smile. “I’ll leave Ethan in your care tonight. Call us if anything happens, and if you can’t hold on, go back and rest. We have plenty of people here.”

“Okay,” Ramona nodded, then stepped forward and hugged Shelby. “Thank you, Mom.”

Shelby was surprised for a moment, then understood. Ramona was thanking her for Ethan. Though he had lost his mother at a young age, he had a stepmother like Shelby who loved him as her own.

“There’s nothing to thank me for. We’re family… Ramona, if Ethan…”

Shelby glanced at Ethan, seeming to want to say more, but trailed off. She had just told Zadkiel about Ethan’s condition. While he was concerned, his primary worry was whether Ethan would be capable of running the Jordon Group if he recovered. Zadkiel only had one son; otherwise, he would have to start making other plans.