The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 79

Ramona hadn’t expected Ethan to show up so suddenly. Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, “Mr. Jordon, you’re back…?”

Florence had assured her that Ethan would be tied up with work late into the night.

Ethan’s voice was cool, but his concern for his grandmother was obvious. “Didn’t they say it was serious? How are you feeling now, any better?”

He strode quickly to Florence’s side, studying her closely.

Florence let go of Ramona’s hand right away, but her rosy cheeks and lively expression made it clear she was in far better shape than she’d let on when she’d called Ethan, insisting she was on her last legs and refusing to go to the hospital unless he came home immediately.

“Well… It was pretty bad earlier,” Florence admitted. “But Ramona’s been here half the day, keeping me company, and I feel so much better now.”

She gave a little cough, glancing at Ramona with a sheepish smile. “Darling, you really ought to thank Ramona for me. She put off her own work just to stay and keep me company.”

Ethan was silent for a moment.

Ramona understood now why Florence had insisted she come over. She’d been naive.

Florence had chatted with her happily for hours, and Ramona had simply thought the older woman was lonely and wanted someone to talk to. She’d never guessed Florence was waiting for Ethan to come home, trying to create an opportunity for the two of them to spend time together.

“It’s nothing, really,” Ramona said quickly, rising to her feet. “I didn’t do much, just kept you company. It’s getting late, so I should be heading out.”

“Oh, don’t be in such a rush!” Florence interjected. “The weather’s looking dreadful, isn’t it? I heard there’s a storm coming tonight.”

She shot a look at the housekeeper, who, catching on despite not knowing the forecast, nodded in agreement. “Yes, it’s getting windy outside. Looks like rain’s on the way!”

“It’s late, and with that storm coming, why don’t you stay the night, Ramona? In the morning, Ethan can drive you to work. We have everything you’d need. It’ll be perfectly comfortable!”

Florence, growing more enthusiastic by the moment, stood and clasped Ramona’s arm with surprising energy for someone supposedly unwell.

“Careful, Grandma, your back—” Ethan reminded her.

Florence waved him off with a grin. “My back’s fine now, thanks to Ramona taking such good care of me!”

She beamed at Ethan, giving him a not-so-subtle nudge with her eyes.

Her grandson was wonderful in every way, except for being as cold as an iceberg, putting such a lovely girl right in front of him and he still wouldn’t make a move!

Ethan knew his grandmother far too well. He suppressed a headache, but there was nothing he could do.

Seeing that Ramona was still hesitating, he finally spoke up. “If you don’t stay, she’ll be worrying about you all night.”

Ramona shook her head. “Honestly, I’d wanted to see you tonight, Mr. Jordon. I sealed the Covington Group deal, and I couldn’t have done it without your help. I wanted to thank you properly.”

Ethan’s tone softened. “It was nothing. You don’t owe me anything.”

“It’s not just being polite. I really want to do something for you. Let me think… How should I thank you, Mr. Jordon?”

She said it almost to herself, realizing suddenly that Ethan wanted for nothing. She truly had no idea what would be appropriate.

“Thank me?” Ethan echoed, surprised, not that he minded the idea. In fact, he was strangely looking forward to it.

“Have you had dinner yet, Mr. Jordon?” Ramona’s eyes lit up as she looked at him.

“I haven’t,” Ethan admitted. “I had to rush back.”

“Perfect. Let me cook something for you then.” Ramona smiled. She realized she hadn’t eaten either and was starting to feel a bit hungry.

“You can cook?” Ethan asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. No one had ever offered to thank him like that before.

“Well, if you don’t count the professional chefs in your family, I’d say I’m… pretty good,” Ramona replied, a bit bashful but clearly confident. She’d been fending for herself since childhood, always experimenting in the kitchen, and had even won first prize in her university’s “Top Chef” contest. Anyone who ever tasted her cooking was bound to crave it again.