The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 72

The Covington family, on the other hand, showed up with a noticeably smaller group today.

Only Fenton’s family, a few of Fenton’s close friends, and Ramona’s own small circle of five friends.

Melinda claimed to be unwell and stayed home; Holden used work as an excuse, saying he couldn’t get away from the office. Still, they each sent a few gifts, one set for Ramona and one for the Covingtons—just enough to keep up appearances.

Florence accompanied Ramona as they greeted guests around the room. “Ramona, you chat with your friends,” she said warmly. “I’ll go check on things over there. Don’t want any surprises when the dinner officially starts.”

Ramona gave Florence a quick hug and whispered a thank you.

Florence beamed like a child and handed each of Ramona’s friends an envelope.

As soon as Florence walked away, everyone tore theirs open in excitement.

“Oh my god—this is… this is huge!” Nova stared at the check inside her envelope, on the verge of tears.

The envelope was so thin that she’d assumed it was just a token gesture, maybe a gift card or a small bill. Instead, inside was a check. And not just any check: the amount was staggering.

Everyone was so shocked they had to cover their mouths. It was, hands down, the largest cash gift any of them had ever received.

And this was just an engagement dinner. If this was what they got now, what about the actual wedding?

The thought barely settled in before everyone latched onto Ramona’s hands.

“Ramona, please, I have to come to your wedding!”

“I swear, from now on, Ramona is my honorary big sister!”

“Ramona, whatever happens, we’re sticking with you, ride or die!”

Ramona laughed, cheeks flushed. “All right, all right, you’re being ridiculous!”

But she couldn’t help grinning. The Jordon family’s generosity was something else. Even though they’d only just met, every single person had welcomed her with a warmth she never expected.

She’d long ago stopped hoping for anything from this so-called “high society” marriage. But for the first time, a flutter of hope stirred in her heart.

With such a gentle stepmother and kind grandparents, she was experiencing a kind of familial warmth she’d never known.

Ethan was perfectly punctual—eight o’clock on the dot, he appeared at the entrance of the ballroom.

Tonight he wore a crisp black suit, tall and striking, the crystal chandeliers above only highlighting his extraordinary good looks and quiet confidence.

He crossed the room to join Ramona, and conversation in the hall died instantly.

All eyes turned to them. Though they stood quietly off to one side, the way the chandelier’s light fell on them, it was as if the whole room’s attention converged just on the two of them.

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