Empire 194

Ethan explains to Ramona the problems with the Holt Group’s data, revealing that authorities have launched an investigation, making any investment there risky. Despite usually avoiding others’ troubles, Ethan is captivated by Ramona’s stories and emotions, showing a rare vulnerability and care for her happiness. Ramona, however, worries she might have come across as too vengeful, but Ethan reassures her warmly, encouraging her to pursue her feelings and promising his support no matter what happens.

Their intimate connection deepens as Ethan holds Ramona’s hand, kisses her gently, and shares tender moments filled with affection and comfort. Though Ethan must leave for work, their goodbye is filled with reluctance and longing. They promise to stay in touch with multiple video calls daily, teasing each other about the frequency, and express how much they will miss one another during the week apart.

As they drive to the airport, Ramona clings to Ethan, trying to memorize his scent and the closeness they share. Ethan jokes about quitting his CEO position to be supported by Ramona, and she matches his seriousness, showing their mutual affection and commitment. At the airport, Ethan hesitates to leave, even suggesting Ramona could come with him, but she insists on staying due to her own important responsibilities.

Their farewell is bittersweet, filled with tender kisses and promises to communicate often. Ethan’s playful insistence on daily calls and Ramona’s playful resistance highlight their deep bond and the challenges of balancing work and love. After Ethan enters the airport, Ramona is driven home, but just as she leaves, Nadia arrives at the terminal, hinting at new developments to come.

“And then there’s the Holt Group,” Ethan explained, his voice calm but edged with frustration. “Their core data is in my hands, but it’s full of gaps and inconsistencies. Now the authorities have launched an investigation, and any chance of them going public has vanished. Anyone who invests at this point is basically throwing their money away.”

Ethan was never one to meddle in other people’s business. His focus had always been on himself, and often, listening to others felt like a tedious task. Yet, Ramona was different. He found himself drawn to her stories, hanging on every word she shared. He wanted to know every little detail, as if her happiness was his own.

Suddenly, Ramona felt a pang of doubt. Had she revealed too much? She caught Ethan’s steady gaze fixed on her, and a flicker of worry crossed her mind—had she sounded too harsh or vengeful?

“Ethan,” she asked softly, biting her lip, “do you think I’m too vengeful?”

“Not at all,” he replied without hesitation.

He intertwined his fingers with hers, pulling her gently closer. His lips brushed softly against her forehead, a tender gesture that made her heart flutter.

“If I handled things my way,” he murmured, voice low and confident, “they wouldn’t even get the chance to regret what they did.”

His thumb began to trace slow, soothing circles on the back of her hand. There was a calmness in his tone, but also a hint of indulgence, as if he admired her fire. “So do whatever you want. If the sky falls, I’ll be here to hold it up.”

Ramona’s breath hitched. A warm glow spread through her chest as she breathed in his familiar scent. She felt herself melting into the moment, comforted by his presence.

Just as she was about to respond, Ethan glanced down at his watch.

“I really should get going,” he said, regret softening his words.

He released her hand and stood, leaving Ramona to follow him. She smoothed the pristine collar of his shirt, a small gesture of care. Ethan caught her wrist gently, pulling her close once more for a brief, unmistakable kiss on her lips.

“Three video calls a day,” he reminded her, his voice playful yet serious as he squeezed her palm. “Don’t make me worry.”

Ramona’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. With a teasing shove, she smiled, “Go on, Mr. Jordon.”

The forty-minute drive to the airport seemed to fly by. Somewhere along the way, Ramona wrapped her arms around Ethan, reluctant to let go. They kept telling themselves it was only a week apart, but the goodbye felt far longer.

She pressed her face into the curve of his neck, inhaling deeply, trying to memorize the scent she loved so much.

“Ethan,” she whispered, her voice muffled against his skin, “I’m going to miss you.”

“Then I won’t go,” he murmured back, tightening his embrace and brushing his chin gently over her head.

For a fleeting moment, a bright spark shone in Ramona’s eyes. But she knew Ethan wasn’t joking—he really might turn around and stay.

“Don’t,” she said firmly. “Work is important.”

Whatever demanded his time for a whole week had to be serious. She pushed aside her selfish desires.

“I could always quit as CEO of Jordon Group,” Ethan teased, though his tone was earnest. “Let you support me instead.”

Ramona met his gaze, matching his seriousness. “That works for me.”

A soft, warm laugh escaped Ethan’s lips. “Ramona, I’m going to miss you too.”

The car grew quiet except for the sound of their breathing, mingling in the small space between them.

Ramona leaned in, her lips brushing against his cool ones. Their kiss was tender and slow, filled with gentle nibbles and lingering touches—a quiet yearning neither wanted to break.

Up front, Ash caught a glimpse of the scene in the rearview mirror and quickly averted his eyes, pretending not to see.

Soon, the vehicle pulled smoothly up to the VIP entrance of the airport. Ash stepped out to wait, and only then did Ethan finally release Ramona.

He cradled her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. His eyes were so intense that it felt as if he might pull her in and never let go.

“Go on,” Ramona urged, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gently pushed him toward the doors. “Text me when you land.”

“Or… you could come with me?” Ethan’s voice was soft, hopeful. He reached for her hand again, sincerity shining in his eyes.

Ramona’s heart fluttered with a confusing mix of warmth and nerves. For a moment, she thought maybe they really were a little ridiculous together. Find the newest release on finḑnovel.net

“Stop it,” she said, trying to sound firm. “You’re going for work. And I’ve got a mountain of things to do here—I can’t just drop everything and go.”

“You could work remotely,” Ethan suggested quietly.

His words grew more serious, and Ramona covered his hand with hers, tracing the strap of his watch with her fingertip. “I really can’t. I just took on a big project, and I have a client meeting tomorrow. If you keep talking like this, I might actually cave.”

Her voice softened, a playful plea creeping in. “But next time, Mr. Jordon, maybe give me a little advance notice… I could tag along as your assistant or something.”

“I could never let you be my assistant,” Ethan whispered teasingly in her ear. Then, sighing, he finally gave in. “Three times a day. Don’t forget.”

“Isn’t that a bit much?” Ramona blinked, catching on that he meant video calls.

“Morning, noon, and night,” he said, lifting her hand to place a gentle kiss on the back of it. “Or else I’ll change my flight and take you with me.”

“Alright, alright, you win…” Ramona laughed, completely flustered. If this kept up, she really wouldn’t want to leave.

After Ethan disappeared inside the airport, his driver took Ramona back home. But just as their car pulled away from the terminal, another vehicle arrived at the main entrance—Nadia had arrived.

The chapter closes on a tender moment between Ramona and Ethan, capturing the delicate balance of love and duty that defines their relationship. Their intimate exchange reveals a deep emotional connection, where vulnerability and strength coexist, and the promise of support offers a quiet reassurance amidst the uncertainties they face. Despite the looming challenges and physical distance, their bond remains unshaken, underscored by playful banter and heartfelt gestures that speak volumes about their commitment to one another.

Yet beneath the warmth of their farewell lies an undercurrent of tension, hinted at by the arrival of Nadia, suggesting that the calm before the storm may be fleeting. For now, Ramona and Ethan cling to each other, savoring the fragile moments of closeness before the demands of their separate worlds pull them apart. Their story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of love to endure even when circumstances threaten to unravel it.

The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional currents between Ramona and Ethan as they grapple with the challenges of separation and the demands of their ambitious careers. The tender moments they’ve shared are about to be tested, and the balance between personal desire and professional duty will become increasingly precarious. Readers can expect to feel the tension of their longing and the bittersweet nature of their temporary goodbye, which may stir unexpected vulnerabilities and decisions.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Nadia hints at new complications on the horizon. Her presence could introduce fresh conflicts or alliances, adding layers to the unfolding drama. As Ramona navigates her responsibilities and the subtle shifts in her relationship with Ethan, the story will likely explore themes of trust, loyalty, and the sacrifices made for love and ambition. The next chapter will invite readers to anticipate how these intertwined threads will evolve, keeping hearts racing and minds guessing.