The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 128

Brianna’s gentle retort instantly threw Jotham into a panic.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” he snapped, pushing Brianna away as his brows knitted in frustration. “You’re my wife. Whatever’s between Ramona and me is nothing more than a matter of convenience. You know that better than anyone. Everything I’m doing now is to protect us.”

“Is that so?” Brianna smiled, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, gazing up at him with a look that tugged at the heart.

Jotham cupped her cheek, his voice softening. “Promise me you'll stop this. Just keep your head down, stay safe, and wait for me. My promise to you hasn’t changed since ten years ago: I’ll grow old with you, and only you.”

His words faded to a whisper by the end.

A decade ago, when he’d first met Brianna, he’d made her that vow—to stay by her side for life. But now, even as he repeated it, his certainty felt thin, the conviction of his younger self slipping away.

Brianna didn’t reply. She leaned quietly into his arms, staying there until it was nearly time for her flight. Under Jotham’s watchful gaze, she finally turned and headed through security.

Once certain she was gone, Jotham hurried out of the airport.

But no sooner had he left than Brianna reappeared in the main hall, now dressed in understated clothes, a baseball cap pulled low and a mask covering her face. Without a backward glance, she slipped outside and hailed a cab.

...

Early the next morning, Jotham arrived at the Holt family’s old estate. He’d gotten Brianna out of town overnight, barely sleeping before rushing back.

Winnie, who’d been looking after Liliane these past days, hadn’t had much rest either. After hearing about Brianna last night, she’d barely managed to close her eyes. She’d always known—so long as Brianna was around, nothing good would come to the Holts.

Ramona was no saint herself, but at least she was the family’s daughter-in-law. Brianna’s attempts to tarnish Ramona’s name only dragged down the family’s reputation and Jotham’s, too.

Winnie had called Jotham repeatedly the night before, but he hadn’t answered. When he finally showed up at the house this morning, she’d guessed he’d already met with “that woman.”

Her face was stony as she led him into the sitting room.

“What exactly are you going to do about Brianna?” Winnie demanded without preamble.

“I’ve already sent her away. As for the mess online, I’ll hire a lawyer for her and settle any compensation.”

“That’s criminal! Are you trying to drag the Holt family down with her by covering up for her?”

Winnie’s anger overflowed; she could hardly believe Jotham was still defending Brianna. Her voice rose, nearly a shout. “After everything she’s done, don’t you see who she really is?”

“Mom, given how far things have gone, we can’t pretend we’re not partly responsible. If you and Dad hadn’t pushed her, if you hadn’t threatened her with Milo, she wouldn’t have—”

Before he could finish, Winnie slapped him hard across the face, her cheeks flushed with fury.

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