The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 9

Fenton opened the door and gestured to her again. “Let’s talk inside.”

Ramona hesitated for a moment, then climbed in.

From Fenton, she quickly learned that the person who’d stepped in to help her today belonged to the country’s most powerful family conglomerate—the Jordon family.

The Jordon family’s business empire spanned finance, technology, and energy. Their influence was so immense that, in economic circles, people half-joked that their wealth could rival a small nation.

And now, the heir to the Jordon legacy—Ethan—at just twenty-eight, had single-handedly propelled the family’s holdings even higher. In every elite circle, he was recognized as the most influential young leader of his generation.

Just last night, Wilfred had received a call from the Jordon family, proposing a marriage alliance with the Covingtons. And the chosen bride? Ramona herself.

Fenton explained that every socialite family worth their salt was eager to connect with the Jordons; the Covingtons were no exception.

He admitted he was only here because Phineas Jordon, the Jordon patriarch, had personally instructed him to find her.

“So, you’re saying the Jordon family outranks the Covingtons?” Ramona cut him off, unwilling to sit through Fenton’s rambling.

Fenton replied, “It’s not even a comparison. The Covingtons might be the wealthiest family in Havencrest City, with a dominant position in the local business world, but the Jordons? Nationwide, nobody dares cross them.”

“What about Ethan?” Ramona pressed. “What kind of person is he?”

“Internationally, he’s famous. But at home, he keeps a low profile—a real mystery, actually. I’ve never met him myself, but rumor has it…”

Fenton paused, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He was supposed to convince Ramona to agree to this marriage, so some stories were better left unsaid.

“What do the rumors say?” she prompted.

“They say… he’s not exactly easy to get along with.”

Fenton tried to put it gently, but the truth was harsher.

If Ethan were only a little difficult, the Jordon family’s doors would’ve been trampled down by eager suitors long ago.

“Not easy in what way?” Ramona pressed, relentless.

Fenton gave an awkward smile. “Well… he’s cold, demanding, and not exactly known for his interest in women. But the Jordons have a reputation for discipline and integrity. Ethan’s character probably isn’t too bad.”

Probably? That hardly sounded reassuring.

Ramona fixed him with a long stare.

Finally, Fenton caved.

“Alright, fine. Word is, Ethan’s a solitary, ruthless man. He’s all about the bottom line, cold-blooded in business, and anyone who offends him never has a happy ending.”

Ramona figured she’d have to deal with him sooner or later—better to be prepared.

“But it’s just a marriage of convenience,” Fenton added, sensing her hesitation. “Most people in our world marry for advantage, not love. And with the assets you have, you’re a target. Without real protection, you won’t last.”

A quick word with the housekeeper revealed that Jotham had taken Brianna and Milo to an art exhibition in Linea City. They wouldn’t be back tonight.

Ramona checked her phone and saw that Jotham had called her several times that afternoon and even sent a message.

“Ramona, Milo wanted to go to the exhibit with Ms. Prescott on the spur of the moment. It’s a long drive, so I’m accompanying them.”

How considerate, she thought. A family outing, and yet he still left her a polite message.

But honestly, she preferred it this way. With the house to herself, she could get things done in peace.

After reading the text, she called a few of the household staff to help pack her things.

“Are you going away for a while, ma’am?” one of them asked, surprised to see Ramona packing all her belongings into suitcases.

“Yes,” she replied, sorting through the papers in her desk drawer. “No need to mention this to Jotham. He’s busy these days. Best not to disturb him.”

Busy, indeed—busy playing happy family with his wife and son. Not that it would last much longer.

Before long, everything was packed up. Once the house was quiet and the staff had retired for the night, Ramona called a moving company and had her things taken away.

There were just a few items she hadn’t found yet.

One was a folder containing her most important academic papers—years of research and data, essential for her work.