The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 76

“Ms. Prescott, I want you to remember what I’ve said today. For Jotham’s sake, I’m giving you one last chance. Next time, it won’t be this simple.”

Griffin’s words dripped with threat.

He’d made it clear he had plenty of ways to get what he wanted—Brianna had experienced that firsthand before. When she cut ties with her family and watched her future and dreams crumble, it was all thanks to Griffin’s methods.

With everyone watching, Brianna stormed out of the executive office. But when she reached her desk, she found all her belongings already packed up.

A few employees clustered around her workstation, quickly dismantling her computer and nameplate, working with a speed that made it clear this had been planned.

“Ms. Prescott… these are your things.”

Someone handed her a box filled with neatly packed office supplies—everything carefully checked to make sure she wasn’t taking any company documents.

Brianna didn’t take the box. Whispered gossip rippled around her.

“I heard the chairman came in just to fire her…”

“It was about time. She was never cut out for Ramona’s position.”

“I bet she got that job through some shady connection with Mr. Holt.”

“Serves her right after how she treated Ramona’s team. Couldn’t do the work, so she bullied her subordinates… She had it coming.”

“If I were her, I’d be too embarrassed to show my face. For the chairman himself to step in—the rumors must be true. She’s probably a gold-digger.”

Brianna whipped around, catching the eyes of her coworkers, but everyone quickly looked away.

Her face burned as if it were on fire; she couldn’t hold herself together any longer. She knocked the box out of the woman’s hands and rushed out of the company.

By the time Jotham arrived, Brianna was already gone. Griffin sat waiting for him in the office.

“Dad,” Jotham began, but a file folder came flying at his face, grazing his cheek.

Griffin didn’t say a word, but the anger in the room was palpable.

“I know you’re upset, but Brianna… I really did bring her in to help.”

“Oh? Feeling sorry for her?” Griffin’s tone was cold, his words edged with disdain. “If you want to keep her company, I’ve got your resignation ready.”

He wasn’t joking. A formal agreement lay on the desk between them.

All Jotham had to do was sign, and he’d be stripped of his position as CEO, forfeit all company shares, and be cut off from the Holt family—effective immediately.

Griffin was silent for a while before finally looking at Jotham. “You really can’t win her back? You brought your ex right into the company and the house, and what did you expect Ramona to do, throw you a party?”

Jotham was at a loss for words. Still, even now, he wouldn’t admit his relationship with Ramona was strained. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

“Half is too much. But you can negotiate. Give her half of what you have; after all, that’s marital property.” Griffin paused, weighing his options, then spoke quietly.

But that ten percent would come from Jotham’s shares, not Griffin’s. If Jotham couldn’t keep Ramona happy, at least Griffin would still control the Holt Group.

Jotham, however, was uneasy. He hadn’t actually registered his marriage license with Ramona.

“Dad…” Jotham hated the idea, but Griffin wasn’t interested in bargaining. “Either win Ramona back or leave the Holt Group yourself. Three days. My patience is gone.”

With that, Griffin got up and walked out, ignoring Jotham’s protests.

...

Later that afternoon, while Ramona was working late at the Covington Group, she received a message from Jotham.

This time it was a long, heartfelt note—he expressed how much he missed her, apologized sincerely, and tried to open a real conversation about the Holt Group’s shares.

Jotham explained that after much effort, he’d managed to secure ten percent of the company’s shares for Ramona. All she had to do was return to the company, and the transfer agreement would be ready for her to sign.