The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 71

Almost without thinking, Jotham called out Ramona’s name.

But before he could be sure, the woman had already vanished from sight, swept away by a small entourage.

“Ramona? Why are you even thinking about her at a time like this?” Brianna’s nerves instantly bristled at the mention of that name.

Jotham pointed ahead, his voice faltering. “I think… I just saw Ramona.”

The woman’s silhouette was so familiar. Even without glimpsing her face, he was certain she looked just like Ramona.

“How could that be? The entire hotel is booked out for tonight.” Brianna’s mood soured, convinced Jotham was just thinking of her again.

“You really think that woman who just got out of the car was Ramona?” Brianna sneered, the corners of her mouth lifting in mockery.

After all, tonight’s engagement party was crawling with Havencrest City’s elite, the kind of people even the Holt family hadn’t managed to get an invitation from. What were the chances Ramona could get in?

“Excuse me, folks, please move along. We need to clear the area,” a well-dressed attendant interrupted as Jotham tried to step forward. Before he could protest, a team of security guards arrived, sealing off every entrance and exit, including the elevators.

By the time Jotham and Brianna made it outside, the entire perimeter was cordoned off. Only those with a personalized invitation were allowed to enter now.

“Look at this security—only the Jordon family could pull off something like this,” Brianna muttered under her breath as they got back in the car.

But as she turned, she caught Jotham out of the corner of her eye, staring down at his phone.

“Don’t tell me you’re texting Ramona right now?”

“I’m just letting my client know we’ll need to change restaurants,” Jotham replied instantly, locking his screen. His tone was flat, betraying nothing.

Still, Brianna had pegged him right. He’d been checking Ramona’s social media feed.

It was only when he saw Ramona’s latest status update from a few hours ago—something about being busy with work—that he finally relaxed.

Ramona had this habit: whenever she was swamped, she’d switch her status to some inside joke about manual labor.

It meant she was tied up with something important. If it wasn’t her company, maybe she’d picked up a freelance gig.

Ramona was talented, and last time they’d spoken, she’d mentioned possibly joining another firm. Then there was that man who’d answered her phone…

Everything pointed to one thing: someone had probably made Ramona a tempting offer.

Was that why she’d suddenly pushed for company shares?

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