The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 302

“Are you paranoid?” Nadia snapped, her head now throbbing to match her stomach. “What, you think I’m going to sue you?”

Ash offered an apologetic smile. “Not me, Ms. Shepard. I’m worried you might try to frame Mr. Jordon.”

“You—”

“Now that you’ve taken your medicine, I can rest easy,” he said smoothly. “I won’t tell anyone about your return or you feeling unwell tonight, not even Mr. Jordon. But in exchange, I need you to promise you’ll leave the country as soon as possible.”

“What did you say?” Nadia felt a fresh wave of anger rise. Her ulcers only flared up under extreme emotional distress. Did this man really think she was faking it for sympathy?

“I mean, since you came back in secret, it would be best if you left before word gets out,” Ash explained, his tone one of genuine concern. He had worked for Ethan long enough to anticipate every potential problem. In his own way, he was truly looking out for her.

“Get out!” she seethed, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at him. It fell pathetically short.

Ash stood perfectly still, not even flinching. He simply nodded. “Then I’ll let you get some rest, Ms. Shepard.”

“Wait,” Nadia called out instinctively as he turned to leave.

“Is there something else?”

“How much do you make in a day?” she asked, her voice suddenly softer as she pressed a hand to her stomach.

Ash looked confused. “I’m not sure I follow.”

“I can’t sleep, my stomach hurts, and I’m all alone. I came back by myself, without my assistant.”

“And?”

A faint blush colored her cheeks. “And I was wondering if you could… stay in the living room. Just until I fall asleep. Then you can go.”

Ash hesitated. “I…”

“My flight is tomorrow morning,” she added in a small voice.

She knew, deep down, that coming back had been a mistake. If she had truly wanted to hurt Ethan, she would have gone to Ramona the moment he stood her up before she left the country.

But she couldn’t bring herself to be that cruel. Now, it was painfully clear that she and Ethan were over for good. She couldn’t wish him happiness, but for the sake of her own dignity, she could at least stop interfering.

With a resigned sigh, Ethan obliged, pressing the answer button for her. He kept it off speakerphone but leaned in close, his head next to hers.

“Ramona… we have that meeting this morning, you said…”

“…Mmm…” came Ramona’s drowsy reply.

It was Nova’s voice on the other end, but Ramona was lost in a fog of sleep.

Despite the doctor’s orders, they had both tried to be careful, but Ethan’s stamina… was frankly astonishing. And far too addictive. They had tried to restrain themselves, they really had, but in the end, neither could resist.

Thankfully, Ethan was mostly recovered, though strenuous activity still tugged at the injuries on his back. He had taken painkillers beforehand, but he was still sore afterward. Ramona had spent half the night gently massaging his back, and Ethan had decided the therapy was so effective that they didn’t need to wait for a full recovery to resume their nightlife. Ramona had immediately vetoed that idea. Even if his back was fine, her hand would fall off.

Nova heard the noncommittal hum, followed by silence and the sound of soft, even breathing. “Ramona? Are you still asleep?”

“Is that Nova?” a deep, masculine voice murmured into the phone.

Nova froze.