Empire 235

In Chapter 235 of “Empire 235,” Ramona experiences a mix of surprise and intrigue as Ethan reveals that he has seen her three times before, despite her believing they were strangers. His teasing tone, paired with a serious undertone, captivates her, and she is eager to learn more about these encounters. The first memory he shares is from the Jordon Group headquarters, where Ramona had been persistent in trying to secure funding for Jotham’s company. Ethan, impressed by her determination and beauty, had noticed her waiting outside the building for a month, which left a lasting impression on him.

As Ethan recounts the details of their first meeting, Ramona reflects on her efforts to gain an audience with the project managers, ultimately resulting in a rejected proposal. Despite the setback, her act of gratitude in buying coffee for the team highlights her character. Ethan’s recollection of the event, particularly the humorous incident involving his colleague Ash, brings a smile to Ramona’s face, and she feels flattered by Ethan’s admiration for her beauty.

Ethan then shares the second encounter, which took place six months ago during a project launch in Linea City. Ramona had been waiting outside the hotel, hoping to find an opportunity on behalf of Jotham, only to be dismissed by Ethan’s bodyguards when she accidentally bumped into him. The realization that this tall, cologne-scented man was Ethan leaves Ramona in disbelief, as she recalls her clumsiness and the confusion of the moment. Their playful banter about the incident further deepens their connection, with Ramona even teasingly offering to rub Ethan’s chest, which makes him laugh.

Ethan’s fond memories of watching Ramona during the rainstorm reveal his growing admiration for her character. He explains how he had instructed one of his men to buy her an umbrella, but she had chosen to help an elderly homeless man instead. This selfless act highlights Ramona’s compassionate nature, and Ethan’s acknowledgment of it solidifies the bond between them. As the chapter progresses, Ramona’s curiosity about the third encounter is piqued, leaving the reader eager to discover more about their intertwined fates.

Chapter 235

Ramona’s heart skipped a beat as his voice grew softer. “I’m not the kind of person who would marry someone just to repay a debt.”

Though the words were spoken in a teasing tone, Ethan’s earnest delivery made them feel profound.

Ramona’s eyes shimmered as she looked up at his chiseled face, waiting for him to

continue.

“I’ve actually seen you three times before.”

Ethan’s hand rested on her jaw, the water running over his well–defined wrist, a sight that was almost distractingly sexy.

“You’ve seen me?” Ramona asked, her brow raised in surprise.

“Yes.”

Ethan’s gaze was soft.

The first time was at the Jordon Group headquarters. Ramona had been trying to secure funding for Jotham’s company and had come to them. The Holt Group wasn’t qualified, but in the hopes of landing even a brief meeting, she had waited outside the building for a month. Every evening, when the project managers left for the day, she would be there.

Over time, Ethan, who occasionally passed through the lobby, had noticed her. Her striking appearance and persistence had made her stand out, and he had eventually asked about her. When he learned she was just an ordinary employee, he was impressed by her tenacity.

Ramona did eventually get her meeting. Although the proposal was rejected, she had shown her gratitude by buying coffee for everyone in the department who had met with her.

Ethan remembered it well, because Ash had taken advantage of the opportunity to grab a latte for himself. When Ethan had caught him, Ash had claimed it was sugar–free and had cheekily asked if he wanted a sip.

The memory made Ramona smile. “So you saw me back then? Did you think I was just a fool chasing an impossible dream? To be honest, I knew our company had almost no chance of getting your investment.”

“I just thought you were very beautiful,” Ethan said, his voice suddenly deep. The water trickling past Ramona’s lips seemed to taste sweet.

Her face flushed. “You’re not that kind of person.”

“A beautiful woman is a gentleman’s desire,” he said in a low voice. “Don’t think of me as being so proper.”

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“Well then,” Ramona said, sensing he was teasing her, “why didn’t you help me?”

“I thought about it. But by the time I decided to say something, your meeting was already

over.”

He leaned closer. “If I had known you were my future wife, I would have invested in that company without a second thought. In fact, If you had asked for everything I own, I would have given it to you.”

The answer was a little too smooth, but it was perfect.

Ramona couldn’t suppress her smile and buried her face in his chest. “That was the first time. What about the others?”

“I thought you would have remembered the second time,” Ethan said. “Six months ago, at al project launch in Linea City. I saw you there, too.”

Ramona’s brow furrowed in confusion.

He gave her a few more details, and then it clicked. It had been a major city–level project, and many of Havencrest City’s elite had been there. She had gone on Jotham’s behalf, hoping to find an opportunity. But she had waited outside the hotel for hours without being able to get

Later that evening, it started to rain. She had run to a service entrance to take shelter and had bumped into someone. It had been dark, but she remembered he was tall and smelled of expensive cologne. The brief encounter had gotten her thrown out by his bodyguards.

Recalling the incident, she remembered the man had a large entourage. She had even tried to see what kind of cars he was traveling in, wondering which powerful figure he was.

“The person I bumped into that day… was you?” she asked in disbelief.

“It was,” Ethan said with a faint smile, his eyes reflecting the shock in hers. “I recognized you immediately. You usually seem so composed. How can you be so clumsy? You hit my chest so hard it actually hurt.”

His chiding tone was playful, and the way he emphasized the word “chest” sent a shiver down her spine.

“It was raining, and it was dark… I was careless…” Ramona reached out and gently touched his pectoral muscle. “Does it still hurt? Should I rub it for you?”

Her words made Ethan laugh, a clear, resonant sound that made her heart flutter.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” he said, catching her mischievous hand. “I didn’t leave right away. I watched you for a while from the car.”

“You were spying on me?”

“Well, we had run into each other twice. You were the only woman who had made that much

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of an impression on me.”

Ethan had stayed and watched her take shelter from the rain. He had instructed one of his men to buy her an umbrella, but before they could deliver it, she had run back out into the downpour. She had seen an elderly homeless man fall across the street, his belongings scattering everywhere. She had run to help him.

As they were gathering his things, several men in suits had appeared with umbrellas, offering them to both her and the old man. At the time, she had thought their sudden appearance

was strange.

“Oh, so they were your men?”

It all made sense now. That was why they had refused to take money for the umbrellas.

Ethan didn’t deny it. “It seems your mind was entirely on your work back then.”

“It was…” Ramona admitted, feeling a bit slow on the uptake. “So, what was the third time?”

In this pivotal moment, Ramona and Ethan’s connection deepens, revealing the layers of their intertwined fates. As they reminisce about their past encounters, the emotional weight of their shared experiences becomes palpable. Ramona’s initial insecurities and doubts about her worthiness are overshadowed by Ethan’s unwavering admiration and affection. Each memory he shares serves to bridge the gap between their past and present, transforming what once felt like mere coincidences into a tapestry of destiny. The playful banter between them hints at a burgeoning intimacy, as Ramona realizes that her struggles and aspirations have not gone unnoticed; they have instead captivated the man who stands before her.

As the chapter closes, the air is thick with unspoken promises and the thrill of possibility. Ramona’s laughter mingles with Ethan’s teasing, and in this lighthearted exchange, the foundation for a deeper relationship is laid. Ramona’s heart, once burdened by doubt, now swells with hope as she contemplates a future that includes Ethan—not just as a passing figure in her life, but as a partner who sees her for who she truly is. Their journey, marked by chance meetings and serendipitous moments, hints at a love that has been quietly waiting to bloom. In the warmth of their connection, both characters stand on the precipice of a new chapter, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead together.

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect the tension between Ramona and Ethan to escalate as they delve deeper into their past encounters. The revelation of their intertwined fates will lead to a series of emotional confrontations, where both characters will have to confront their feelings and the implications of their history. As Ramona learns more about Ethan’s hidden admiration and the lengths he went to observe her, she will grapple with her own feelings of vulnerability and attraction. Will she be able to reconcile her ambitions with the undeniable chemistry that has sparked between them?

Moreover, the narrative promises to introduce new challenges that could threaten their budding relationship. Just as they begin to explore the depths of their connection, external forces may emerge, testing their trust and commitment to one another. Will Ramona’s drive for success clash with Ethan’s protective instincts? As secrets from Ethan’s past come to light, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, wondering if their love can withstand the trials ahead. Get ready for a whirlwind of emotions, unexpected twists, and the possibility of love triumphing against all odds in the next chapter of “Empire 235.”

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.