The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 224

Ramona seemed to understand what Shelby was struggling to say and spoke softly before she could continue. “No matter what happens to Ethan, I will be by his side.”

“You’re still so young. If Ethan really doesn’t wake up…”

Shelby’s eyes welled with tears. She was deeply moved by Ramona’s words and relieved for Ethan’s sake. But she also knew that long-term care could wear down even the most devoted. After all, Ramona and Ethan were newlyweds who hadn’t even had their wedding yet.

“Mom, Ethan will wake up,” Ramona said, interrupting Shelby with a faint smile.

Shelby nodded. “You’re right.”

...

Late that night, a cool breeze from outside startled Ramona awake. She shot up, her hand instinctively reaching for Ethan’s.

He lay just as still as before, his strong features softened by the dim light.

“Ethan, you have to hold on. I’m not as strong as you think… If…”

Shelby’s words echoed in her mind. Though she refused to accept the worst-case scenario, she had to be prepared for it.

“If you don’t wake up, I’ll be sad for a very, very long time. Ethan, if you can’t walk this path with me either, then I’ll truly be alone for the rest of my life.”

She whispered the words into his ear. She had wanted to speak harshly, as if a sharp tone could provoke a response, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. The words came out as a fragile, desperate plea.

After speaking, Ramona got up to close the window.

The moon hung high in the sky, its clear, bright light washing over her face. She clasped her hands together in a gesture of sincere prayer.

“Please, God, if you let Ethan recover and wake up soon, I’m willing to give up five years of my life—no, ten years.”

Her soft murmur seemed to stir the man on the bed.

The moonlight brushed across his long fingers, and they twitched, almost imperceptibly.

...

The next day at noon, at the embassy in Myridia.

Yancey and his entourage were led into a private reception room to wait. He tried to ask questions, but the officials offered no answers.

He knew his detention, the commercial crime allegations, and the travel restrictions were all part of a setup. The Loring family had deep business ties in Myridia, and with the Covington family’s recent growth tied to the national economy, this could be a political move, retaliation from the Lorings, or both.

But Yancey wasn’t worried. He had done nothing wrong. Even if he were dragged into a lengthy legal battle, it would only be a matter of time before he was cleared. In the worst-case scenario, if he couldn't return home, the impact on Fenton and the Covington family would be manageable. He wasn't afraid of a little hardship; he would fight them to the end to defend his family's interests.

His main concern was that he couldn’t contact his father. He was afraid Fenton would panic and make a rash decision. He had been fighting for the right to make a phone call home.

Then, suddenly, the embassy officials informed him he was being released on bail.

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