The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 57

“One of my investment subsidiaries is involved in this project as well. On that basis, double the investment. It’ll be easier to get things done if there’s plenty of capital.”

Ethan spoke in his usual calm, level tone, not a hint of emotion on his face. “Just say we thought her proposal was impressive and promising, so we decided to invest on my own initiative.”

“Understood.” Ash’s response was prompt.

Ethan was always known for his pragmatism and sense of proportion. But today, Ash was witnessing a man going out on a limb for a woman—something he never thought he’d see.

Especially since Ethan was notoriously strict about risk control. He never put money into a project without turning every stone first. This kind of impulsive investment was a first for him.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Ethan called Ash back, his gaze drifting absently to his fingertips. He was silent for a few seconds before speaking again. “Look into Ramona’s dating history.”

He’d heard before that Ramona had only had one relationship back in college, but he hadn’t been interested in the details at the time.

“Yes, sir.” Ash hesitated for a moment before answering.

He could still remember Ethan once saying that for an arranged marriage partner, basic personal details were enough, anything more was just a waste of his time.

…

The next morning.

Ramona was used to waking early; her body clock was reliable, even after a night of drinking. She woke up just after dawn, head still pounding from the hangover.

She couldn’t recall everything from the night before. She remembered signing the contract, but somehow ended up running into Ethan afterward. Beyond that, it was all a blur.

The housekeeper told her that Ethan had brought her home last night, but that he’d only walked her to her room and nothing more.

That was a relief. Ramona immediately called Nova.

Nova had been worried all night and only relaxed when she heard Ramona was alright.

After confirming the contract was signed and safely back in her possession, Ramona felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“All right, see you later at the office.”

After hanging up, Ramona planned to thank Ethan before heading out, but the housekeeper led her to the dining room instead.

Ethan was already there, waiting for her. He wore a charcoal gray suit, tall and composed, radiating an effortless sense of authority.

“Good morning, Mr. Jordon.” Ramona greeted him first.

Ethan met her gaze, his expression steady. “Good morning.”

Suddenly, flashes of the previous night flickered through Ramona’s mind. Had she… clung to him like a child?

“About last night…”

Her ears grew hot. The words of thanks she’d prepared scattered, leaving her desperate for an escape route.

“You had a bit too much to drink last night, so I brought you back. Did you sleep well?” Ethan’s tone was even, almost as if he was giving her an easy way out.

Ramona nodded quickly, finally managing to say, “Very well, actually. The bedding in your home is really comfortable…”

She tried to pull her hand back, but Ethan had already taken the spoon from her.

A second later, he actually tasted it.

The sweetness lingered on his tongue. For a moment, even Ethan looked astonished at himself.

“Sir!”

Ash, witnessing this scene, was visibly alarmed.

It wasn’t just the fact that Ethan had used Ramona’s spoon—everyone knew he was a stickler for cleanliness. But more than that, Ethan despised sweets. At any social event, if Ethan was present, desserts were never even served.

But Ethan swallowed, then shot Ash a look so intense that Ash immediately fell silent.

“Mr. Jordon, do you not like cake?” Ramona asked, picking up on Ash’s reaction and looking a little embarrassed.

Had she just forced him to do something he hated?

Ethan dabbed his mouth with a napkin before answering, “I never used to like it, but today…it wasn’t so bad.”

He never liked sweets, but today he thought it was… all right? Was the cake really that good?

Ramona licked her lips, suddenly at a loss for words.

They sat across from each other for a moment longer, and the air between them grew awkward and still.