The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 78

Ramona always said that love came before anything else. After their “marriage,” her actions only proved how deeply she meant it.

Nothing seemed to matter more than Jotham’s trust, understanding, and affection. Whenever their interests clashed, Jotham might talk a good game, but Ramona was always the first to compromise.

She didn’t care about money or who sacrificed more, her only concern was their relationship. She couldn’t even bring herself to get truly angry with him, let alone argue.

“I don’t have much time to wait. I’m giving you two days to think it over. Otherwise, I’ll hand in my official resignation to Holt Group.”

Ramona couldn’t be bothered to listen any longer. She hung up the phone as soon as she’d said her piece.

When Jotham tried to call again, she simply put her phone on Do Not Disturb.

...

Two days later.

After relentless effort, Ramona’s team finally pulled off the project, every last one of them. In fact, they wrapped up a day and a half ahead of schedule.

The moment Ramona announced the good news, the five of them collapsed onto the couch together, erupting in wild cheers.

“Hard work actually pays off, who knew?”

“That was brutal… but so satisfying!”

“I’m telling you, with Ramona leading us, it might be intense, but it never feels impossible!”

Their words made Ramona laugh as well. She stretched, then brought in the afternoon coffees the assistant had ordered for everyone.

“Take a break, you all deserve it. I’m off to see Holden. Let’s celebrate properly later.”

Without wasting a moment, Ramona grabbed the project files and headed straight for Holden’s office.

When he saw that Ramona hadn’t just completed the project but finished it ahead of time and to a higher standard, Holden was honestly stunned for a second.

He quickly recovered, clapping his hands with a calm smile.

“Ramona, you never cease to amaze. So much accomplished in so little time.”

“I heard the engagement party went off without a hitch. Mr. Jordon must be very pleased with you, right?”

In just a few words, Holden managed to get in a sly dig. There happened to be an investment in the project from the Jordon Group. His implication was clear: Ramona had leaned on Ethan.

She might not have called on the Covington Group, but if word got out that she’d leaned on Ethan, people would still question her. Who could say for sure whether Ethan had just helped a little, or handled everything from start to finish?

“Holden, I led my team and cleaned up your mess, fair and square. Yet instead of gratitude, you question my ability. Frankly, I find it disheartening. Why don’t you call Mr. Jordon and ask him what he thinks of my work? See if he invested in the project, or in the person.”

Ramona tore right through Holden’s two-faced act, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

Holden just smiled, but of course, he had no intention of calling Ethan.

“Florence, I’ll come over right away.”

Without another thought, Ramona made up her mind to see Florence.

Florence had always been so good to her. Ramona could never repay her kindness. Now that Florence was hurt, there was no way she could just leave her alone.

She explained the situation to her teammates, telling them to enjoy the night and that she’d cover any other outings they planned.

Though a little disappointed, everyone understood and encouraged Ramona to go see Florence. There would always be another chance to celebrate.

...

10:30 p.m., the Jordon family estate.

“How’s my grandmother?” Ethan asked, striding into the mansion and shrugging off his coat as he walked.

A nearby housekeeper took his jacket and replied respectfully, “Florence is fine, just resting now. Oh, and Miss Ramona is here as well.”

At the mention of Ramona, Ethan stopped in his tracks.

Inside Florence’s bedroom, Ramona was perched by the bed, chatting with Florence. Whatever they were discussing, it had both of them laughing, their joy echoing into the hallway and warming anyone who heard.

“What’s so funny in there? Mind letting me in on the secret?”