The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 77

Of course Ramona knew the truth—if Jotham had truly wanted to hand over shares, he would’ve done it long ago.

She’d been keeping tabs on Holt Group for weeks. Just today, word reached her: Griffin had dropped by the office, and Brianna had resigned shortly after. This ten percent stake Jotham dangled was clearly Griffin’s idea, not his own.

Sure enough, Jotham’s call came through again.

Ramona’s gaze darkened. After a thoughtful pause, she found an empty, secluded conference room to take the call. She’d kept him waiting long enough; it was time to show up—if only a little.

“Ramona! Thank God, you finally picked up,” Jotham blurted out, sounding downright desperate, any trace of bravado gone.

“Is there something you need?” Ramona answered, voice cool and detached, though they both knew she already understood.

He tried to keep his tone gentle, even as irritation flickered beneath. “Did you see my message? I can transfer half of my shares to you. Let’s stop fighting, okay? I really miss you, Ramona. Please, can we just make up?”

She listened, frowning, then let a faint, mocking smile curve her lips. “It took you this long to agree, and even now it’s only ten percent? I distinctly remember asking for half the company. Seems you’re still not willing.”

“That’s not true! I really have tried my best. Please, Ramona, stop making this so hard for me. Can you really stand to see me suffer? I only own twenty percent. All the rest is with my father and the board.”

He tried again, this time playing the sympathy card.

“Suffering?” Ramona scoffed. “Are you upset about the company’s losses, or upset about losing me? Funny how you only remember me now that Brianna’s gone. She was already replacing me before I left, wasn’t she?”

Her pointed question left Jotham at a loss for words. She’d never been this sharp with him before.

“I had no choice—everything’s been falling apart without you. Brianna was only supposed to help out temporarily; she was never going to replace you. No one could. Besides, she’s out of the company now. If you’re still jealous, you really don’t need to be.”

Ramona let out a soft, humorless laugh.

Still so stubborn, ha!

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify