The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 132

“Mr. Jordon, you’re getting more and more smooth-tongued, aren’t you…” Ramona blinked quickly, muttering under her breath, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to let you give me a ride, if you insist.”

Her bashful expression didn’t escape Ethan’s notice. He chuckled softly, saying nothing more, only tightening his hold on her delicate hand before leading her out the door.

Inside the car, the world felt private and still, mellow music drifting through the gentle hush.

Ethan drove himself, relaxed yet focused, his posture casual but his attention unwavering.

While waiting at a red light, Ramona instinctively reached for her phone, scrolling through the latest headlines. Almost immediately, she spotted a major update: the online smear campaign against her had flipped on its head.

Screenshots of Brianna coaching Kendall had flooded every platform, and now the police were officially involved.

The revelation had drawn out several of Ramona’s former classmates, each coming forward to vouch for her character and achievements. Ramona’s reputation was now shining brighter than ever, while Brianna’s carefully cultivated image as a beloved mentor had completely collapsed.

Ramona never expected Brianna’s secrets to be exposed so quickly, and in such detail. It was almost certainly orchestrated by someone.

But who, besides herself, would go to such lengths to defend her?

Suddenly, Ramona’s gaze landed on Ethan.

“Ethan.”

“Hmm?” he responded, eyes fixed on the road.

“Thank you.”

He glanced over at her, quick but knowing, then caught sight of her phone. He immediately understood what she was referring to.

“If someone tries to hurt you, that’s an insult to me as well. I’m just protecting my own interests. I only held back a little because I didn’t want it to affect you too much.”

His tone was as calm as ever, but Ramona heard the weight and sincerity behind every word. It was far more reassuring than any flowery promise she’d ever received.

A warm ache bloomed in her chest, as though her heart was bathed in sunlight.

Afraid she might tear up, Ramona quickly lowered her head. “You do so much for me. I don’t even know what I could possibly do for you.”

Ethan’s lips curled in subtle relief. “Don’t worry. If there’s ever something you can do for me, I’ll let you know.”

His words, half teasing and half earnest, made Ramona laugh despite herself. She sneaked another glance at him. The sunlight cast sharp lines across his striking profile, his jaw set and features as stern as ever—yet beneath that cool exterior, she could feel a steady warmth that threatened to melt her.

The car pulled up smoothly in front of Covington Group’s offices.

Ethan leaned over to unbuckle her seatbelt, his deep voice brushing her ear once again.

“I’ll pick you up after work. Wait for me.”

“Okay.”

She watched him through the glass doors as she walked inside. Only after she’d disappeared from view did Ethan reach for his phone. The screen was filled with missed calls and urgent notifications.

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