The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 35

But almost immediately, Jotham began to doubt himself. The voice had sounded so much like Ramona, yet there was a clarity and distant chill to it that didn’t quite match her usual tone. He was probably just hearing what he wanted to hear—after all, he’d been obsessing lately over why she hadn’t replied to any of his messages.

It was only a few curt words, he told himself. He must have misheard.

Lost in thought, Jotham didn’t notice the bodyguard pocketing the business card and returning to the car. The woman didn’t spare him another glance; the car turned and pulled away without hesitation.

Jotham stared after the departing vehicle, standing frozen on the spot for a long time, unable to collect himself.

Inside the car, the bodyguard handed the business card to Ramona and asked respectfully, “Miss, this is from the CEO of Holt Group.”

The Covington family had no shortage of potential partners; industry titans lined up for a chance to work with them. A company like Holt Group didn’t even deserve to be on the list.

Ramona didn’t bother to take the card. With a frosty glance at her assistant, she instructed, “Blacklist their company. The Covington Group will never do business with them.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the assistant replied promptly.

...

Later that night, Ramona received another message from Jotham.

He’d tried calling, but she hadn’t answered. So he resorted to sending several texts, asking when she’d be coming home. She read them but didn’t reply.

Days went by like this. Jotham couldn’t get in touch with Ramona at all, and eventually, his patience ran out.

He hated the idea of backing down, but the truth was, without Ramona, the company was grinding to a halt.

When Jotham finally arrived home, Brianna noticed right away that something was off. His expression was stormy.

“What’s wrong? Is the company still struggling?” she asked gently, reaching out in an attempt to comfort him.

So Brianna hadn’t thought anything of Ramona’s absence. It never occurred to her that Ramona had moved out for good.

“When did Ramona move out?” Brianna murmured in disbelief.

Suddenly, Milo burst in, clapping his hands in delight. “Yes! The mean lady’s finally gone! Hooray!”

“Shut up!” Jotham snapped, something inside him snapping as well. A wave of hot anger rushed to his head, and before he could stop himself, his hand came down hard.

Milo had never been hit by Jotham before, and the blow was harsh. He fell to the floor, stunned and crying.

Brianna’s eyes flashed with shock and fury. She yelled, “Jotham! How could you hit Milo so hard?”

She rushed to her son’s side, and saw his cheek already swelling red where he’d been struck.