The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 259

Ramona knew that words spoken in a dream meant little. But as much as she wanted to move past it, a part of her couldn't let it go. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to tell Ethan she was upset.

Ramona knew exactly how he would react: with worry, guilt, and endless apologies.

Besides, even if a small part of his heart still belonged to Nadia… He would never admit it, would he?

After a long hesitation, Ramona finally stood up, gathered her things, and prepared to go home.

But as she opened her office door, she found Wisteria standing just outside. She didn't know how long she had been there, her figure completely cloaked in the darkness of the hallway.

The motion-sensor lights flickered on as Ramona stepped out, and Wisteria took a tentative step forward.

"You're still here? How was your first day?" Ramona walked toward her, her tone concerned.

Wisteria nodded. "You made the arrangements, so of course everything went smoothly. Everyone was very nice."

"There will be training, so take your time. There's no rush," Ramona said reassuringly. "Shall we leave together?"

Wisteria murmured a soft "mm-hmm" and fell into step beside Ramona. They entered the elevator together.

The office was empty by now. Wisteria’s office was on a different floor, so she had clearly come looking for Ramona. But Ramona remained silent.

Wisteria wasn’t one for small talk, and Ramona was too caught up in her own thoughts.

Perhaps because she had been looking up news about Nadia recently, her phone had just pushed a notification. It was about Nadia’s pre-departure livestream, which was now trending.

Nadia had publicly announced that she was leaving the country today to do charity work with children in Fresnia.

Fresnia was a country with harsh living conditions, and charity work was both time-consuming and exhausting. There was no telling when Nadia would return. She also mentioned she would be taking a break from streaming, which was met with an outpouring of support and sadness from her fans.

The rumors Ethan had addressed had taken a toll on her reputation. Many fans had demanded she speak out, and a small but vocal group had even accused her of being a homewrecker.

Nadia had never responded directly, but this announcement of her new charity work was a more powerful rebuttal than any words could be. It instantly won back the goodwill of her fans. Her livestream that morning had even gained her a new wave of followers.

In today's world, people judged actions over intentions. Regardless of the rumors surrounding her love life, as long as she continued her charity work, the support for her would only grow.

But seeing this news, Ramona couldn't help but connect it to Ethan.

Nadia had left the country this morning. Could his somber mood last night have been because of her? Did he know she was leaving?

"Ramona, I know a great little bar nearby. Come have a drink with me."

Just as the elevator doors opened, Wisteria spoke up.

Ramona was taken aback. "Why the sudden invitation?"

On the other end, Ethan stared at the message on his phone, the light in his eyes dimming.

…

"I booked a large private room, for ten people."

Late at night, a group of men and women arrived at a stylish, retro-themed music bar. The couple at the front of the group approached the host and confirmed their reservation.

The host led them to their room. The group split, with the woman and her friends going inside while the man stayed by the door to call someone.

"Jotham."

Jotham was standing by the entrance, smoking. When he saw his friend approach, he quickly extinguished the cigarette.

They had just finished dinner, and now it was time for the second round: drinks and reminiscing.

The couple had invited several other old friends, some Jotham knew, some he didn't. Someone in the group surely knew about his situation, but since he had arrived alone, without Ramona, everyone had tacitly agreed not to bring it up.

"Actually, there's something I need to ask you."

Jotham had been waiting for the right moment, and now that he finally had the man alone, he got straight to the point. He explained that he and Ramona were having a rough patch and asked if his friend could talk to his wife about contacting her.