The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 320

Seeing Liliane's devastated state, Ramona felt no triumph, only a hollow ache. Ethan loosened his hold, and she stepped forward.

Liliane looked up, her eyes wide with terror, the fight completely gone from her.

"I didn't want to say these things to you," Ramona said, her voice cold, "out of respect for the kindness you once showed me. But you knew what Jotham was doing all along, didn't you? I thought you were the only one in that family who cared for me. But you chose to protect your grandson. I can accept that. What I cannot forgive is your hypocrisy. In your eyes, only the Holts matter. Your double standards are more shameful than outright cruelty. No one in your family is innocent in what happened."

Liliane reached for her, but the guards blocked her way.

"Ramona... Ramona, I was wrong..." she pleaded, her voice a pathetic whimper. "I was just old and foolish... I know Jotham wronged you, but you've ruined us. Please... have mercy on him..."

"I have shown him mercy. His current state is of his own making," Ramona said, turning to leave.

"Ramona, please, for old times' sake! He knows he was wrong, he truly loves you! He and Brianna are divorced, you could... you could start over..." Liliane's desperate words trailed off as she remembered the formidable man standing beside Ramona.

"Love?" Ramona said, walking back to Ethan's side and taking his arm. "Jotham doesn't know the meaning of the word. He is a product of your family—selfish and morally bankrupt. And besides," she said, her voice softening as she looked up at Ethan, her face filled with pride, "I already have the most perfect love in the world."

With Ethan's arm securely around her, she felt whole, complete. He was the other half of her soul, her partner in life. He was her heart's desire, her greatest joy.

Ethan held her close, then turned his gaze back to Liliane.

"Do you know what it means to be equals?" he asked, his voice low and cutting. "It's not about status or wealth. It's about a meeting of minds, a compatibility of character and values. It is a union of souls. Even if Ramona were not a Covington, I would still treasure her above all else. I would never allow anyone to harm her."

Ethan came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Feeling sorry for her?"

"She has a bad heart. The shock might have been too much."

"Whatever happens to her is not your fault," he murmured into her hair. "I was the one who provoked her. Anyone who bullies you deserves whatever they get."

She knew he was just trying to comfort her, but the cold calmness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. "Don't say things like that. We don't have to concern ourselves with them anymore. I just want you to be okay."

It seemed that her gentle, reserved husband became a different man whenever she was threatened—a man who was fiercely, frighteningly protective.