The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 260

He knew Ramona valued her old friendships. If his wife could use their past connection to get Ramona to meet with them, that would be a start. Of course, if she was willing to mediate and help them reconcile, that would be even better.

The man was clearly surprised by Jotham's request, but he quickly agreed. It was a small favor; his wife would have no problem with it.

Ramona had been the one to set them up, and she had been good friends with both of them. It was only after she changed her number that they had lost touch. In fact, his wife had been hoping to reconnect with Ramona anyway. They were planning to move back to the country, and having old friends around would make the transition easier.

With his friend's promise secured, Jotham gave him Ramona's contact information and was about to leave.

But his friend insisted he stay for at least one more drink. Overwhelmed by his hospitality, Jotham reluctantly followed him back into the bar.

Coincidentally, just as they were entering, Ramona and Wisteria were being shown to a booth near the bar. They were only planning on having one drink, so they hadn't bothered with a private room.

"Ramona, why are you helping me?"

Ramona glanced at Wisteria. In the dim light, her delicate features were softened, giving her an ethereal beauty.

"You've already asked me that, and I've already told you," Ramona said coolly, her gaze fixed on the diamond ring on her finger.

"Was it just you wanting to help me, or... did someone else say something to you?"

Wisteria pressed on, unable to let it go.

Ramona was a good person, but their relationship was superficial. It didn't make sense for her to go out of her way like this.

Wisteria already had her suspicions. Some things were better left unsaid, but she couldn't help herself. She had to know.

"Yes," Ramona admitted, seeing Wisteria's persistence. "Ms. Huxley, why ask when you already know the answer? Since you don't want to be indebted to him, and he doesn't want you to feel that way, just let it be. Besides, overthinking it now won't do any good. Your priority should be getting away from the Huxley family. Now that you have a goal, you need to find the courage to grow."

Ramona wasn't usually one to lecture people, but perhaps her own foul mood was making her sound like a school principal.

Wisteria didn't seem to mind. She was used to hearing far worse things. Ramona's earnest advice was almost comforting.

She took a large gulp of her drink. "It was Yancey, wasn't it? Is he that desperate to repay his debt to me?"

A heaviness settled in Ramona's chest. "Yes," she confirmed. "He asked me not to tell you, so just keep it between us."

Wisteria's directness was a relief. Ramona had promised Yancey she would help, but she couldn't bring herself to maintain a lie that was so obviously going to be found out.

Wisteria had saved Yancey, but their relationship was complicated. Yancey didn't want to approach her directly, assuming she wouldn't accept his help.

As a woman, Ramona could see that Wisteria cared deeply for him. And Yancey's character, looks, and family background were leagues above any of Wisteria's ex-boyfriends.

"I don't dislike him," Wisteria mumbled, the alcohol loosening her tongue. "I just... can't be with him."

"Why not?"

"It wouldn't end well for him. He would end up hating me. It's better to end things at their best, leaving behind a beautiful regret, than to drag it out until it becomes ugly."

Wisteria spoke with a solemn intensity, her eyes fixed on her glass.

Ramona frowned. "Is that what you really think? Do you have no faith in Yancey, or no faith in yourself?"

Wisteria didn't answer. She knew no one could understand. She just drank in silence.

But something didn't add up for Ramona.

"Wait a minute. If you think anyone who gets involved with you will be dragged down, then why do you have so many ex-boyfriends?"

According to Wisteria's logic, whether it was self-loathing or self-preservation, she should have been alone.