The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 100

“Was it really necessary to move out just to clear your head?” Liliane let out a gentle sigh. “I know you and Jotham are having a spat, but what married couple doesn’t argue from time to time? I came back to stand up for you. Like I promised, I won’t let anyone push you around. Come on, my dear, come home. I’ll take you out for some fresh air; whatever you want, whatever you need, I’ll make it happen.”

That single “my dear” sent a wave of mixed emotions washing over Ramona.

She had never truly been a part of the Holt family, and now… it was simply impossible.

Yet Liliane, who ruled the Holt family with unquestioned authority, was always patient and kind with Ramona, kinder even than she was with Jotham or Eulalia.

That was the one thing that made it so hard for Ramona to harden her heart. She’d avoided seeing Liliane today precisely because she was afraid she’d lose her composure.

“Ramona, my grandmother’s already said so much. Can’t you give her this one? Why not just come back home for now?”

Jotham jumped in quickly when he saw Ramona fall silent.

But Liliane shot him a look. “You keep quiet. Don’t pressure her. If she wants to come home, she will. If not, let her be. It’s not as if she’s never coming back.”

Ramona drew a slow breath. “How about a little later? I really do have something to take care of today.”

“Alright. I’ll wait for you.” Though Liliane’s disappointment was clear, she still responded with a warm smile.

After hanging up, Ramona felt a heaviness settle in her chest. She could keep her distance from the rest of the Holt family, but with Liliane… she honestly had no idea what to do.

“See, Grandma? I told you, things between me and Ramona aren’t as bad as you think.”

After the call, Jotham couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. If Ramona said “a little later,” maybe she’d be home soon.

But as Liliane set down the phone, her smile faded instantly. She looked at Jotham, her gaze searching and troubled, as if something didn’t quite add up.

Just then, Jotham’s phone rang again.

It was Brianna. She’d finally lost patience after he’d ignored her all day. She had Milo with her now, but Jotham seemed to have forgotten about both mother and son.

Jotham didn’t want to answer, but as soon as he declined the call, the phone started ringing again.

Liliane grew suspicious. “Who is it? Why do they keep calling?”

“It’s work, probably something from the office,” Jotham muttered, trying to sound casual.

“Then answer it. We’re all family here; there’s nothing you need to hide.”

As she spoke, something else seemed to occur to her. “By the way, where’s Milo?”

He might have been adopted, but he was still the Holt family’s great-grandchild. Liliane had long since accepted Ramona, and blood ties meant little to her now.

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