Empire 132

This chapter makes a quiet but clear adjustment to the story. Small choices and brief pauses point the plot in a new direction. The shift is steady, not loud, and it sets up what comes next.

A few actions and reactions stand out. A held-back answer, a quick decision, or a look that lingers changes how characters see each other. These beats feel small now but carry weight forward.

Emotions sit just under the surface. The tone shows doubt, hope, or pressure even when the words stay measured. What is not said guides the scene as much as what is spoken.

Earlier choices and old tensions shape how people act here. History does not repeat, but it limits and nudges. The present is easier to read when the past is kept in view.

Trust, distance, and leverage shift by degrees. Roles adjust, and the space between characters changes shape. By the end, connections are not exactly what they were.

Objects, gestures, and setting notes do quiet work. They mirror the mood and hint at motives. Paying attention to them clarifies what is at stake.

Short remarks, paused replies, and choices made too quickly point to what will matter soon. The chapter plants markers that future scenes will pick up.

A few sentences carry the heart of the scene. They show fear, resolve, or longing in simple words. These are the lines that will echo next chapter.

“Mr. Jordon, you’re getting more and more smooth–tongued, aren’t you…” Ramona blinked quickly, muttering under her breath, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to let you give me a ride, if you insist.”

Her bashful expression didn’t escape Ethan’s notice. He chuckled softly, saying nothing more, only tightening his hold on her delicate hand before leading her out the door.

Inside the car, the world felt private and still, mellow music drifting through the gentle hush.

Ethan drove himself, relaxed yet focused, his posture casual but his attention unwavering.

While waiting at a red light, Ramona instinctively reached for her phone, scrolling through the latest headlines. Almost immediately, she spotted a major update: the online smear campaign against her had flipped on its head.

Screenshots of Brianna coaching Kendall had flooded every platform, and now the police were officially involved.

The revelation had drawn out several of Ramona’s former classmates, each coming forward to vouch for her character and achievements. Ramona’s reputation was now shining brighter than ever, while Brianna’s carefully cultivated image as a beloved mentor had completely collapsed.

Ramona never expected Brianna’s secrets to be exposed so quickly, and in such detail. It was almost certainly orchestrated by someone.

But who, besides herself, would go to such lengths to defend her?

Suddenly, Ramona’s gaze landed on Ethan.

“Ethan.”

“Hmm?” he responded, eyes fixed on the road.

“Thank you.”

He glanced over at her, quick but knowing, then caught sight of her phone. He immediately understood what she was referring to.

“If someone tries to hurt you, that’s an insult to me as well. I’m just protecting my own interests. I only held back a little because I didn’t want it to affect you too much.”

His tone was as calm as ever, but Ramona heard the weight and sincerity behind every word. It was far more reassuring than any flowery promise she’d ever received.

A warm ache bloomed in her chest, as though her heart was bathed in sunlight.

Afraid she might tear up, Ramona quickly lowered her head. “You do so much for me. I don’t even know what I could possibly do for you.”

Ethan’s lips curled in subtle relief. “Don’t worry. If there’s ever something you can do for me, I’ll let you

know.”

His words, half teasing and half earnest, made Ramona laugh despite herself. She sneaked another

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glance at him. The sunlight cast sharp lines across his striking profile, his jaw set and features as stern as ever–yet beneath that cool exterior, she could feel a steady warmth that threatened to melt

her.

The car pulled up smoothly in front of Covington Group’s offices.

Ethan leaned over to unbuckle her seatbelt, his deep voice brushing her ear once again.

“I’ll pick you up after work. Wait for me.”

“Okay.”

She watched him through the glass doors as she walked inside. Only after she’d disappeared from view did Ethan reach for his phone. The screen was filled with missed calls and urgent notifications.

He slipped on his Bluetooth earpiece, expertly backing out of the parking spot and steering toward Jordon Group while answering the first call.

His voice, usually so stern and intimidating, was unexpectedly gentle. He even started with an apology.

On the other end, his assistant was so overwhelmed by this rare display of warmth that he nearly burst into tears. Was the world turning upside down? Since when was Ethan so soft–spoken?

Ramona, for her part, felt just as lighthearted.

When she arrived at Covington Group, she treated the entire office to lattes. After a quick team meeting with her five–person crew, she splurged on a Michelin–starred lunch for everyone.

After the meal, Nova couldn’t help but tease her. “Ramona, what’s got you in such high spirits today? You’ve been all smiles since this morning!”

“Really?” Ramona froze, automatically reaching up to touch her face. Was her happiness really that obvious?

Nova pointed out her grin. “You haven’t stopped smiling since you walked in.”

“Yeah, Ramona, what’s got you so happy? Did something happen with Mr. Jordon? Are we celebrating early?”

The rest of the team joined in, egging her on.

Ramona’s cheeks turned scarlet. “No–come on, stop it, you guys.”

“I don’t know, I think Nova’s onto something. I could’ve sworn I saw Mr. Jordon dropping Ramona off this morning.”

“For real? No wonder you’re glowing lately, Ramona! Love looks good on you!”

“So, when’s the wedding? Are we getting an invite to the reception?”

The questions came at her from every direction. Blushing furiously, Ramona grabbed her purse and stammered, “I’ll just go pay the bill!” before beating a hasty retreat.

Still, their words lingered in her mind, making her heart flutter.

Things with Ethan really were going smoothly. They might have started out as an arranged match,

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but now, their relationship felt more like two people falling in love.

But marriage… shouldn’t there be a proposal first?

Ethan hadn’t said a word about it.

By four o’clock, with over two hours left in the workday, Ramona was already packing up her things and touching up her makeup. For more chapters visit find✦novel.net

Ethan had messaged her earlier–he’d made dinner reservations and was picking her up after work.

“Ms. Jarrett, there’s a Ms. Shepard here to see you.”

Just as Ramona was carefully applying her lipstick, her assistant knocked and entered. “She’s from a partner company, brought a major project with her, and specifically asked to meet with you.”

“Ms. Shepard?” Ramona looked up, surprised. “What’s her name?”

“She’s called Nadia. Here’s her card,” the assistant answered, handing her the business card.

The scene closes, but its pressure does not. Something has shifted, and the next step will have to meet it. The feeling is unfinished on purpose.

Expect tighter tension and fewer safe options. Hidden truths may press forward. The path ahead should feel earned and a bit sharper.

Which choice will echo the longest? Who revealed the most by saying the least? How might today’s restraint become tomorrow’s turning point?

Rules, memory, and the setting frame each decision. Inside that frame, even small moves gain size. The chapter belongs to its world as much as to its people.

With this chapter done, the story steps forward—quieter, clearer, and ready to show what those choices mean.