The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 289

"Mr. Jordon, you're here…"

The housekeeper's voice carried into the dining room.

Shelby had suspected it might be Zadkiel. The staff wouldn't have just opened the door otherwise. Zadkiel was returning to the country today; he'd let her know his flight was arriving in the evening. Worried he'd come home to an empty house, Shelby had texted him after she arrived at Ramona's.

Since Ethan's accident, Zadkiel had only made a few phone calls to ask about his condition. He hadn't visited once. It wasn't just Ethan who felt the sting of his coldness; Shelby was hurt by his callousness, and the entire family was holding a grudge.

"What are you doing here?" Florence's smile vanished the moment she saw Zadkiel.

"Having a family dinner, are we? Why wasn't I invited?" Zadkiel's voice was frigid. He handed his coat to the housekeeper and strode toward the dining table.

Ramona started to stand, but Ethan placed a firm hand on her arm, holding her in place. He kept his head down, focusing on his food as if he hadn't noticed Zadkiel's glare fixed on him.

"Ethan…"

"Eat," Ethan murmured, picking up a piece of food and placing it in Ramona's plate.

"How rude," Zadkiel said, his gaze shifting from Ethan to Ramona. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Shelby came to his side, patting his arm. "What are you doing here? Are you trying to start a fight the moment you walk in? I told you, Ramona is hosting us tonight. I said you should go home and rest!"

"I came to see my own son and daughter-in-law. Are you trying to kick me out?" Zadkiel shot back, his icy tone radiating pressure.

Ramona glanced at Ethan, then decided to speak up. "Dad, of course not. Please, sit down."

She knew Ethan was furious with his father, but she had to show respect to an elder.

However, her words were just words; Ethan didn't want her to make a move, so she remained seated, bracing herself for Zadkiel's wrath. Under the table, she gently took the hand Ethan had on her arm and squeezed it. Her fingers traced his palm, trying to soothe the cold fury emanating from him.

Ethan's jaw tightened.

"What, you get hurt and forget how to address your own father? Did a dog eat the manners I taught you?"

His words crashed into the room like a boulder hitting ice.

Ethan, who had been silent until now, finally reacted.

"Dad!" Ramona cried out, instinctively moving to shield Ethan. "He's still recovering… Dad, please, don't be angry."

Florence and Shelby also rushed to intervene, but Zadkiel was in a rage and couldn't be reasoned with.

Phineas slammed his cane on the floor. "Zadkiel! You've gone too far!"

Ethan slowly lifted his head, his calm gaze meeting his father's furious one. There was no fear in his eyes, no anger—only a profound, bone-deep exhaustion.

"You're right, I have no manners. I was always the child who disappointed you. So isn't it perfectly normal that I have no manners?"