Empire 78

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 78

Ramona always said that love came before anything else. After their “marriage,” her actions only proved how deeply she meant it.

Nothing seemed to matter more than Jotham’s trust, understanding, and affection. Whenever their interests clashed, Jotham might talk a good game, but Ramona was always the first to compromise.

She didn’t care about money or who sacrificed more, her only concern was their relationship. She couldn’t even bring herself to get truly angry with him, let alone argue.

“I don’t have much time to wait. I’m giving you two days to think it over. Otherwise, I’ll hand in my official resignation to Holt Group.”

Ramona couldn’t be bothered to listen any longer. She hung up the phone as soon as she’d said her piece.

When Jotham tried to call again, she simply put her phone on Do Not Disturb.

Two days later.

After relentless effort, Ramona’s team finally pulled off the project, every last one of them. In fact, they wrapped up a day and a half ahead of schedule.

The moment Ramona announced the good news, the five of them collapsed onto the couch together, erupting in wild cheers.

“Hard work actually pays off, who knew?”

“That was brutal… but so satisfying!”

“I’m telling you, with Ramona leading us, it might be intense, but it never feels impossible!”

Their words made Ramona laugh as well. She stretched, then brought in the afternoon coffees the assistant had ordered for everyone.

“Take a break, you all deserve it. I’m off to see Holden. Let’s celebrate properly later.”

Without wasting a moment, Ramona grabbed the project files and headed straight for Holden’s office.

When he saw that Ramona hadn’t just completed the project but finished it ahead of time and to a higher standard, Holden was honestly stunned for a second.

He quickly recovered, clapping his hands with a calm smile.

“Ramona, you never cease to amaze. So much accomplished in so little time.”

“I heard the engagement party went off without a hitch. Mr. Jordon must be very pleased with you, right?”

In just a few words, Holden managed to get in a sly dig. There happened to be an investment in the project from the Jordon Group. His implication was clear: Ramona had leaned on Ethan.

She might not have called on the Covington Group, but if word got out that she’d leaned on Ethan,

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19:01

people would still question her. Who could say for sure whether Ethan had just helped a little, or handled everything from start to finish? ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ FіndNovel.net

“Holden, I led my team and cleaned up your mess, fair and square. Yet instead of gratitude, you question my ability. Frankly, I find it disheartening. Why don’t you call Mr. Jordon and ask him what he thinks of my work? See if he invested in the project, or in the person.”

Ramona tore right through Holden’s two–faced act, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

Holden just smiled, but of course, he had no intention of calling Ethan.

“This is a family matter, Ramona. No need to drag Mr. Jordon into it. You did a fantastic job on the project, and I’m grateful.”

With that, he tapped a few times on his phone, activating the terms of their agreement.

He showed Ramona the confirmation screen. “Once the process is complete, you’ll officially have access to the company’s executive privileges.”

Ramona didn’t bother with pleasantries. She shot him a cold glance. “Mr. Covington, I look forward to working with you in the future.”

Holden smiled faintly, but as soon as Ramona left, the smile faded. He immediately dialed Melinda.

With the project finally settled, Ramona wanted to treat her team to a celebratory night out. She booked a private chef’s table at an upscale downtown bistro.

But just as they arrived at the restaurant, Ramona’s phone rang.

It was Florence.

“Ramona, are you busy right now?”

Florence’s voice sounded weak, and Ramona picked up on it immediately. “Not at all, I’m off work

now. Is everything okay?”

“I was home alone today and… well, I took a bit of a fall-”

Ramona’s heart clenched before Florence even finished. “Was it serious? Are you alright?”

Florence tried to reassure her. It was just a minor back injury, she said, and the family doctor was already there, along with the housekeeper. Nothing to worry about.

It was just that Phineas had gone out with friends that evening, and Ethan was usually home quite late. Florence was alone, unable to move from bed, and simply wanted someone to talk to, but she

didn’t want to inconvenience Ramona.

“Florence, I’ll come over right away.”

Without another thought, Ramona made up her mind to see Florence.

Florence had always been so good to her. Ramona could never repay her kindness. Now that Florence was hurt, there was no way she could just leave her alone.

She explained the situation to her teammates, telling them to enjoy the night and that she’d cover any other outings they planned.

19:01

Though a little disappointed, everyone understood and encouraged Ramona to go see Florence. There would always be another chance to celebrate.

10:30 p.m., the Jordon family estate.

“How’s my grandmother?” Ethan asked, striding into the mansion and shrugging off his coat as he walked.

A nearby housekeeper took his jacket and replied respectfully, “Florence is fine, just resting now. Oh, and Miss Ramona is here as well.”

At the mention of Ramona, Ethan stopped in his tracks.

Inside Florence’s bedroom, Ramona was perched by the bed, chatting with Florence. Whatever they were discussing, it had both of them laughing, their joy echoing into the hallway and warming anyone who heard.

“What’s so funny in there? Mind letting me in on the secret?”

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.