The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 99

99 /122

Ramona stared at her phone for a long time before finally replying to Jotham’s message.

[I’ve got something to do. Don’t let Liliane wait for me.]

Jotham was hardly surprised by her refusal—he was used to it by now. But as long as he mentioned Liliane, Ramona would at least respond. So he fired off a flurry of new messages. Maybe, just maybe, Liliane’s return would be the breakthrough they needed.

But Ramona only sent that one reply. No matter how many more messages Jotham sent, it was like shouting into an empty canyon, nothing came back.

...

The next day, right at noon, Liliane arrived at Jotham’s estate.

He had already instructed the staff to prepare everything perfectly, ready to welcome Liliane home.

“Where’s Ramona?”

The moment she stepped through the door, Liliane barely spared a glance for Jotham, despite not having seen him for a year. Her eyes immediately scanned the foyer, searching for Ramona.

“Grandma, didn’t I tell you? Ramona isn’t at home these days. She’s been really busy and won’t be back for lunch. Please don’t worry about it. Why don’t you go rest for now? We can talk more later.”

Jotham spoke gently, as if coaxing a child, then shot a look to the housekeeper, who quickly took Liliane’s luggage from her bodyguard and whisked it upstairs.

Ramona was still unwilling to come back, but Jotham wasn’t worried. He knew Ramona well. She was an orphan, always deeply respectful toward her elders—especially Liliane, who was the kindest person to her in the whole family. If Liliane wanted to see her, Ramona would have to come back eventually.

The longer Ramona held out, the more patient and tolerant he appeared. In the end, Liliane couldn’t blame everything on him, and maybe, just maybe, Ramona would feel guilty and grateful for all he’d done.

Thinking this, Jotham’s enthusiasm toward Liliane soared. But just as he reached out to help her toward the dining room, she sharply brushed his hand away.

“I came here today to see Ramona, and if you don’t bring her home, then no one’s having lunch!”

Liliane hadn’t expected Ramona to really be absent. Her face clouded with anger.

Ignoring everyone’s attempts to help, she leaned on her cane and, with surprising speed, headed upstairs toward Ramona’s bedroom.

Jotham hurried after her, the staff trailing nervously behind, all afraid she might fall.

Once Liliane saw that Ramona’s belongings were truly gone, she pressed her lips together, her breathing growing quick and shallow.

She fell silent, and a heavy tension settled over the household. No one dared to so much as breathe too loudly.

Jotham realized then just how much Liliane cared for Ramona—far more than he’d anticipated.

Still, he had no choice but to press on with his explanation. “Grandma, please don’t get upset. Ramona just wanted some personal space, that’s all…”

“When I left, you two were inseparable. Now, after a year away, you’re living apart? Do you really take me for a fool, Jotham? I may be old, but I’m not stupid!”