The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 129

With Liliane putting it that way, neither Jotham nor Winnie dared to protest further. But from the tone of her voice, it didn’t sound like Liliane planned to press charges.

Winnie let out a silent sigh of relief and quickly tried to defend Jotham, “It was all Brianna’s scheming. She’s been desperate to get close to Jotham again, to seduce him. Jotham’s mind is always on the company and his family. He only got caught up in this by accident…”

As she spoke, she reached over and gently tapped her son’s arm, trying to comfort him.

But Jotham kept his head down, silent as ever. He knew he couldn’t pin all of this on Brianna alone.

“If I’d come here to lay blame, I wouldn’t be wasting my breath with all this talk,” Liliane said, gripping her cane, her voice heavy with disappointment. She let out a sigh that was half exasperation, half resignation.

She’d always liked Ramona—she was sensible and considerate, the perfect granddaughter-in-law. That peace of mind had allowed her to step back and enjoy her golden years. Who could have guessed that in just two years, even Ramona would change so much?

“So, Brianna’s the reason Ramona’s upset with you. But now that’s over with, you should apologize to her, Jotham. Explain things between you and Brianna, and ask Ramona to come home.”

Jotham looked as if he wanted to say something, but stopped himself. True, Brianna was at fault, but Ramona’s behavior these days had left him simmering, too.

He’d given her so many chances, had even defended her when she got into trouble, but she’d stayed cold toward him all the same. He felt bitter. He didn’t want to be the one to apologize again.

Winnie was reluctant as well, but just as she opened her mouth to say a few words in Jotham’s defense, Liliane shot her a sharp glare that made her shrink back.

Without another word, Liliane pulled out her phone and dialed Ramona’s number.

The first call went unanswered. She called again.

“It’s still early. She probably hasn’t woken up yet…” Jotham said anxiously, worried that Ramona might actually ignore Liliane’s call.

But Liliane was persistent. Sure enough, after a moment, the call went through.

“Hello?”

Ramona’s sleepy voice came over the line. She hadn’t fully woken up yet; the phone had been vibrating nonstop, so she’d answered on instinct.

“Ramona, dear…”

The moment Liliane’s voice reached her, Ramona jolted awake. She sat upright, rubbing her forehead, “Mrs. Holt?”

“Why so formal? I’ve been resting these past few days, and you haven’t called me once. Have you decided to stop caring about this old lady altogether?” Liliane’s words were tinged with gentle reproach, but her tone was warm, almost maternal.

Ramona glanced at the clock—it was just past seven. She and Ethan had stayed up talking late the night before, almost until dawn. She had barely managed to keep her eyes open before finally saying goodnight and heading to her own room to sleep.

Ethan was probably still asleep, too.

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