The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 92

Ramona’s words cut deep—sharp as a blade, leaving Jotham at a loss for words.

“Ramona! That’s out of line. How could you think we’d try to scheme against you?”

“Enough.”

Griffin’s fist slammed hard against the desk, knuckles white with tension. He gritted his teeth, as if steeling himself for something monumental. “Fine. I’ll agree to your terms. I’ll pull together another ten percent of the shares for you, but I’ll need some time.”

“If you sign this agreement transferring forty percent now, I’ll have the paperwork processed immediately. You can return to the company and get started on the project right away.”

At this, Ramona sat back down across from Griffin.

Seeing this, Griffin assumed she’d accepted his proposal. He motioned to his assistant and the notary to finalize the agreement on the spot. The moment Ramona signed, it would take effect.

But as soon as the paperwork was done, Griffin asked to see the project proposal Ramona had brought.

But she turned him down flat.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Holt. As long as you keep your word, and once I officially hold half the company’s shares, you’ll have the project in your hands.”

Griffin hadn’t anticipated this move. Fury flashed across his face, the veins at his temple throbbing.

Still, years of navigating the cutthroat business world had taught him to rein it in quickly.

“Ramona, are you threatening me?”

His voice was low and simmering with anger, all traces of the earlier forced warmth gone. Instantly, the office air turned tense and electric, storm clouds gathering beneath the surface.

Jotham felt his heart pound with anxiety. He couldn’t understand why Ramona was still pushing things this far. For his father to make such a concession was unheard of—a rare gesture, considering the company and the project at stake.

In the past, no matter how much Ramona humbled herself or tried to please him, his father wouldn’t have spared her a second glance.

Thinking this, Jotham leaned in close and whispered urgently in Ramona’s ear, “Ramona, Dad’s already given you a way out. Take the deal. Give them the project. After this, both at home and at work, Dad will look at you differently.”

His tone was anxious, as if he truly had Ramona’s best interests at heart, as if she was the one being unreasonable.

Ramona simply smiled, ignoring Jotham’s advice. “Mr. Holt, I insist on fifty percent, not out of stubbornness, but necessity. The company’s key projects are stalled. We need decisive leadership. If decision-making gets bogged down by endless approvals and power struggles, we’ll just miss another opportunity. I need absolute authority to see our strategy through. That’s the bare minimum for a billion-dollar project.”

“If you can’t accept my vision, then there’s no point in my staying. So please, make your choice: do we build something great together, or should I start the paperwork to leave right now?”

Her tone was firm, but she never once lost her composure. Ramona’s logic was hard to argue with; the billion-dollar project she controlled was more tempting than ever.

If they could get her back on board, perfect. If not, there was no way they’d let her walk out the door with company data and resources.

Griffin continued, “I’ll be out of town for a few days to catch up with some old friends. Holt Group doesn’t depend on Ramona, but I expect you to sort out the family situation before I return.”

“I understand.”

Jotham immediately caught his father’s meaning.

Griffin might be semi-retired, but his influence in the business world was undiminished. When it came to resources and connections, Ramona couldn’t hold a candle to him.

Still, Ramona’s abilities were indispensable to the company. Keeping her on board would save everyone a lot of trouble.

If Ramona wouldn’t bow to force, then they’d have to play the emotional angle. After all, she’d once devoted everything to him. Winning her back was only a matter of time.

…

That evening, Jotham went straight to Ramona’s room after getting home.

Even after she’d left, the housekeeper made sure her room was spotless every day. But Ramona had said she was gone, and she hadn’t stepped foot back inside, not even once.