Empire 76

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.

Chapter 76 Discover more novels at FιndNovel.net

“Ms. Prescott, I want you to remember what I’ve said today. For Jotham’s sake, I’m giving you one last chance. Next time, it won’t be this simple.”

Griffin’s words dripped with threat.

He’d made it clear he had plenty of ways to get what he wanted–Brianna had experienced that firsthand before. When she cut ties with her family and watched her future and dreams crumble, it was all thanks to Griffin’s methods.

With everyone watching, Brianna stormed out of the executive office. But when she reached her desk, she found all her belongings already packed up.

A few employees clustered around her workstation, quickly dismantling her computer and nameplate, working with a speed that made it clear this had been planned.

“Ms. Prescott… these are your things.”

Someone handed her a box filled with neatly packed office supplies–everything carefully checked to make sure she wasn’t taking any company documents.

Brianna didn’t take the box. Whispered gossip rippled around her.

“I heard the chairman came in just to fire her…”

“It was about time. She was never cut out for Ramona’s position.”

“I bet she got that job through some shady connection with Mr. Holt.”

“Serves her right after how she treated Ramona’s team. Couldn’t do the work, so she bullied her subordinates… She had it coming.”

“If I were her, I’d be too embarrassed to show my face. For the chairman himself to step in–the rumors must be true. She’s probably a gold–digger.”

Brianna whipped around, catching the eyes of her coworkers, but everyone quickly looked away.

Her face burned as if it were on fire; she couldn’t hold herself together any longer. She knocked the box out of the woman’s hands and rushed out of the company.

By the time Jotham arrived, Brianna was already gone. Griffin sat waiting for him in the office.

“Dad,” Jotham began, but a file folder came flying at his face, grazing his cheek.

Griffin didn’t say a word, but the anger in the room was palpable.

“I know you’re upset, but Brianna… I really did bring her in to help.”

“Oh? Feeling sorry for her?” Griffin’s tone was cold, his words edged with disdain. “If you want to keep her company, I’ve got your resignation ready.”

He wasn’t joking. A formal agreement lay on the desk between them.

All Jotham had to do was sign, and he’d be stripped of his position as CEO, forfeit all company

shares, and be cut off from the Holt family–effective immediately.

19:01

Seeing the document, Jotham finally felt a flicker of panic.

After all, Griffin had the support of every major shareholder. Taking back control would be effortless

for him.

“Dad, that’s not what I meant-

”

“My decisions aren’t up for debate. As for Brianna, you know what to do. If I find out you’re still seeing her, she won’t be the only one paying the price. You’ll never touch the Holt Group again. Even if you’re my only son, I’ll never let someone who’s disgraced our family and lied to his elders take over the company.”

Griffin’s voice was icy, his tone calm, but every word landed like a hammer.

Jotham knew his father–once Griffin made up his mind, there was no changing it.

“Father, I know I was wrong. But please believe me, there’s nothing going on between me and Brianna. Everything I’ve done is for the Holt Group-”

“I know all about Ramona. No matter how difficult she’s been lately, you shouldn’t be provoking her at a time like this.”

Griffin couldn’t be bothered to listen to more excuses. He was here to fix things, and right now, the Holt Group was his only priority.

Sure, Ramona had been pushing back lately, her temper flaring more than usual. But if Jotham couldn’t manage his own wife, and the company was left to rely on her, then it was his failure.

And now, it was time for Jotham to own up.

“She wants half the company’s shares. How am I supposed to agree to that? I only hold twenty percent myself.”

Griffin was silent for a while before finally looking at Jotham. “You really can’t win her back? You brought your ex right into the company and the house, and what did you expect Ramona to do, throw you a party?”

Jotham was at a loss for words. Still, even now, he wouldn’t admit his relationship with Ramona was strained. His pride wouldn’t allow it.

“Half is too much. But you can negotiate. Give her half of what you have; after all, that’s marital property.” Griffin paused, weighing his options, then spoke quietly.

But that ten percent would come from Jotham’s shares, not Griffin’s. If Jotham couldn’t keep Ramona happy, at least Griffin would still control the Holt Group.

Jotham, however, was uneasy. He hadn’t actually registered his marriage license with Ramona.

“Dad…” Jotham hated the idea, but Griffin wasn’t interested in bargaining. “Either win Ramona back or leave the Holt Group yourself. Three days. My patience is gone.”

With that, Griffin got up and walked out, ignoring Jotham’s protests.

Later that afternoon, while Ramona was working late at the Covington Group, she received a

19:01

message from Jotham.

This time it was a long, heartfelt note–he expressed how much he missed her, apologized sincerely, and tried to open a real conversation about the Holt Group’s shares.

Jotham explained that after much effort, he’d managed to secure ten percent of the company’s shares for Ramona. All she had to do was return to the company, and the transfer agreement would be ready for her to sign.

υπομιτι

Chapter 77

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.