The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 334

“We’re family,” Brianna said, her patience wearing thin. “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Flynn smiled and handed her his business card. “With the Holt family in this state, my position at my company has become untenable. Since you’ll be heading the Gallop Inc. branch here, I was hoping you might have a position for me.”

Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, I’ll give you my full support. Our family needs to stick together now more than ever. I’ll always be on your side, and Jotham’s.”

Brianna studied his earnest expression, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she took the card. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Without another word, she walked away, leaving Flynn standing there, the smile on his face replaced by a deep frown.

Jotham had known Brianna would follow him. He was already in the passenger seat when she got in. He was exhausted, having slept less than three hours a night for the past few days. Brianna didn’t disturb him, letting him sleep the entire way home.

When they arrived, Jotham went straight to the bedroom, closing the door before she could follow. He was still giving her the cold shoulder. Back at Eulalia’s, he had responded to her kiss, but while he might not reject her physically, he was still unwilling to engage with her emotionally.

Brianna knew she couldn’t push him. She knocked a few times before letting herself in. He was already lying on the bed, still in his clothes, a single blanket thrown over him. The curtains were drawn, casting the room in a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere. It was a far cry from the meticulously neat and stylish man he used to be.

"If it weren’t for Ramona,” she thought, “his life would still be perfect.”

“Jotham… let’s start over, okay?” she said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Milo told me he misses you. He wants us to be a family again. The Holt family may not be what it once was, but at least we don’t have to hide anymore. We can build a new company… I’ll help you.”

Her words were sincere, born from a desire to give Milo a stable home, a refusal to accept their current reality, and a love for him that, despite everything, still remained.

“You say you love me,” he finally said, his voice raspy. “How much?”

A surge of hope went through her. She knelt by the bed. “I’m willing to carry the weight of the Holt family for you.”

“Are you prepared for utter ruin?” he asked, his voice and expression devoid of emotion, as placid as a stagnant pond.

Before the words had fully left her lips, his mouth was on hers, his actions rough and demanding. It felt less like an act of passion and more like a violent release of pent-up rage. She felt like an object, a tool for his catharsis.

But she endured it, searching for any trace of the gentle man he once was. Whatever had happened in the past, she truly wanted to build a future with him.

She didn't know that as he held her, his eyes closed, the only image in his mind was of another woman.

Ramona.

He would see her crushed, her bones ground to dust, before he died. She was his, and not even in death would she escape him.

…

The next morning, Brianna was up early for work. She had several tasks to attend to, the most important of which was securing a location for the new branch office. She spent the morning comparing the properties Brantley had shortlisted and, after a remote meeting with him, they finalized their choice.