The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 324

For her son’s sake, she was determined to reconcile with Jotham.

With everything arranged, the last step was to request time off. On her way back, Brianna called Brantley Lawson. He was at a business dinner and, hearing that she was driving, asked her to pick him up so they could discuss her leave request in person.

Playing chauffeur for her boss was an inconvenience, but Brianna couldn’t refuse. She was prepared to wait outside the restaurant, but to her surprise, Brantley was already standing by the entrance when she arrived.

As soon as he got in the car, she handed him a flask of coffee she had prepared. “Mr. Lawson, this should help.”

“Thank you, but I didn’t have much to drink.” Brantley was clearly pleased by her thoughtfulness, a small smile playing on his lips. His voice was gentle as he asked, “Why the sudden need for time off? Has something happened?”

“Yes, I need to go back to Havencrest City for a personal matter. It’s urgent, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, but don’t worry, I can handle my work remotely. There won’t be any delays.”

Brantley’s brow furrowed. “Is it a family emergency?”

Brianna hadn’t wanted to share too many personal details, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. “Yes,” she admitted. “My grandmother passed away.”

“Your ex-husband’s grandmother?”

Brantley’s question caught her off guard. She realized he must know about her divorce. The night she’d had too much to drink at Jennifer’s bar, it was Brantley who had come to get her. She and Jennifer had argued about it afterward; Jennifer had told Brantley things she shouldn’t have. But Jennifer had shown some discretion, only mentioning the divorce and attributing it to family opposition and her husband’s infidelity. She hadn’t said a word about Ramona.

Brianna nodded. “Yes. The divorce isn’t final yet, so I need to go back.”

“Of course,” Brantley said, taking out his phone to grant her access. “I’m approving your leave. Take as much time as you need.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lawson!” Brianna was almost taken aback by how accommodating he was.

She quickly added, “I’ll be back at the office as soon as I can.”

“The company was planning on sending you to Havencrest City anyway,” Brantley said calmly. “You can get a head start on the project assessment while you’re there.”

He sounded nonchalant. Brianna’s time in Kyro City was always meant to be temporary; she would have to return to Havencrest eventually. But then he hesitated.

“Brianna.”

“Yes?”

The realization left her reeling, her mind a chaotic buzz. She had never imagined that a man of his stature would be interested in her. Truth be told, she admired him a great deal. If it weren’t for her lingering obsession with Jotham, Brantley would be an excellent choice.

They drove the rest of the way in silence, neither of them mentioning the brief, transgressive moment, as if it had never happened.

Back at his apartment, Brantley was still agitated.

It was late, but someone was waiting for him in the living room. It was the private investigator he had hired. It seemed there was finally some progress in the search for his sister.

…

Late that night, a message from an unknown number appeared on Ramona’s phone. But she was already fast asleep in Ethan’s arms and didn’t see it.

It wasn’t until the next morning, shortly after she woke up, that she casually opened the message. Ethan was still sound asleep, his head resting on her shoulder, his breathing light and even.

He was usually a light sleeper and, even with medication, always woke up before her. Seeing him sleeping so soundly was a rare treat, and she didn’t dare move. She held her phone up to her face, intending to kill some time. That’s when the message finally came into view.