The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 251

But the moment she pushed the door open, she was met with a dark, silent room. Ramona couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.

A line of vast, floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room gathered the city lights, casting a soft glow on the carpet by the opposite sofa. The apartment felt empty.

"Ethan?"

For some reason, a sliver of unease crept into Ramona's heart. Her voice was barely a whisper, as if she were afraid of disturbing something.

It wasn't until she walked over to the side of the sofa that she finally saw him—the man’s frame was curled up in the corner. A thin blanket was draped over him, and his eyes were closed, so still it tugged at her heartstrings.

"...Ethan."

Ramona let out a breath of relief, immediately dropping her purse and crouching by the sofa. She called his name softly a couple of times and gently touched his forehead and hands, worried something was wrong.

"You're back."

Ethan's voice was a low, rich murmur, thick with sleep.

He opened his eyes, his long lashes fluttering as he looked at her with a tender gaze. "That was fast. I thought you'd be a while longer."

"Why are the lights off? Are you tired? If you were tired, you should have gone to bed. Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Ramona’s questions tumbled out one after another, leaving Ethan no time to answer. Seeing her start to get up to do something, he simply reached out, pulled her into his arms, and settled her onto his lap.

"I was a little sleepy. It wasn't this dark a while ago. I was just thinking about something and must have dozed off."

Ethan murmured, his warm breath grazing the shell of her ear and sending a shiver down her spine that threatened to undo her completely.

She quickly placed a hand between their faces to create some distance and touched their foreheads together again. "...Ethan, something's not right. You're warmer than I am! Don't tell me you have a fever."

"No," Ethan said in a low voice.

"I'm checking your temperature!"

This time, Ramona wasn't taking no for an answer. She swiftly broke free from his grasp and went to find the first-aid kit.

Ethan sighed in resignation. His body did feel heavy, so he didn’t try to follow her, simply waiting as she returned with a digital thermometer and tilted his head back cooperatively.

After a soft electronic beep, Ramona’s expression changed.

"A hundred degrees. You do have a fever."

"It's just a low-grade fever. The inflammation hasn't completely cleared up yet. The doctor said it’s normal."

Ethan didn't want her to worry. He was about to change the subject, but Ramona ignored him, pulling out her phone to call the doctor directly.

Her voice was polite and gentle, but the rapid pace of her words betrayed her deep anxiety and concern.

Watching her pace back and forth while on the phone, an old, forgotten scar in Ethan's heart began to ache. If only time could stand still, right here in this moment. Would he be happier then?

The screen of the phone beside him had gone completely dark.

He had, in the end, replied to the message Nadia had sent that morning.

"But…"

"Ramona, could you please respect the patient's wishes, just this once?"

Ethan’s tone was serious. Though his voice was soft, it carried weight.

"Fine."

Ramona sighed, handing him the water and watching as he swallowed the pills.

She saw his throat move twice as he took all the medication, then she tucked the blanket more snugly around his legs, intending to help him back to the bedroom.

"I don't want to sleep yet," Ethan murmured, pulling her hand so she would sit beside him, nestled in his arms. "What did Fenton want to see you about today?"

"The usual Covington family drama. Melinda is still trying to make me mess up at Covington Group, and since she has no one else to turn to, she went to Fenton…"

Ramona trailed off, not wanting to continue for fear of upsetting Ethan. "Anyway, we cleared the air. Fenton isn't like Melinda; he doesn't care that much about power."

"So this time, Melinda used my situation to try and rattle you?"

Even if Ramona didn't spell it out, Ethan could guess.

The first thing he had done before losing consciousness from his injuries was to order Ash to lock down all information. There was no way Ramona could have known otherwise.

"Don't worry, she can't rattle me. I hold the inheritance rights to Covington Group. What can she possibly do?"