Empire 84

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. Read complete version only at find(ɴ)ovel.net

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 84

Jotham didn’t even care that Brianna was standing right there. His voice faltered as he said, “Half of Holt Group will be yours in the future. What more do you need to trust me?”

Brianna’s hand shook, and the shopping bags she’d just bought slipped from her grasp, tumbling to the floor with a clatter. She nearly choked on her own breath, stunned.

Jotham had lied to her? He was really giving Ramona half of Holt Group?

“Ramona, even the cheapest thing in this store costs at least a hundred grand,” Brianna sneered, catching sight of Ramona’s shopping bag. “Those cufflinks you bought aren’t cheap either, are they? Are they for Jotham?”

Brianna’s voice was dripping with sarcasm as she continued, “Jotham works hard for his money. If you really want to please him, maybe try helping out with the company instead of splurging on ridiculous luxury items. How can he even think about giving you shares when you’re out here burning through his money?”

Her words seemed to give Jotham pause. If Ramona had bought those expensive cufflinks, they could only be for him. No matter how stubborn she was, her actions spoke louder than her words.

Seeing Ramona now, Jotham couldn’t help but feel a slight tug on his heart. She looked even more stunning than before, her style and taste clearly evolved. He’d barely recognized her when she first walked in–she had the poise of a high–society heiress.

“Ramona, Ms. Prescott isn’t wrong,” Jotham said, his tone softer as he moved closer. “You don’t need to give me such extravagant gifts. Just don’t argue with me anymore. Let’s get through these company issues together. That would make me happier than any present.”

He gazed at her with genuine warmth. “Go return the things, okay? The company is struggling right now. We have to be careful with our spending.”

Ramona almost laughed. These two were quite a pair, seamlessly playing off each other. It was obvious they’d come here shopping together, yet somehow she was the one being accused of squandering Jotham’s money?

“First of all, Jotham, those cufflinks weren’t for you. You’re not the only one I might buy gifts for. Second, Ms. Prescott, you should watch your mouth. Making false accusations is a legal matter.”

Ramona’s voice was cool but unhurried. “Every cent I spend is my own. The profits I’ve generated for Holt Group over the years have long since topped eight figures. Even if Jotham gave me money, it wouldn’t begin to cover the dividends I’m owed. If you’d like, we can go through the accounts together right now and settle up to the penny.”

Her words struck Jotham right where it hurt. What he dreaded most was Ramona bringing this up. In the past, she’d always protected his reputation, attributing the company’s success to him even when she was the one holding it together. But if she wanted to be precise, there was a clear record of her achievements.

“Ramona, that’s not what I meant. Ms. Prescott didn’t mean it like that either…” Jotham stammered, panic flashing in his eyes. But before he could finish, Ramona glanced at the shopping bags on the

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floor.

“Ms. Prescott, you bought quite a haul yourself. That must have cost a pretty penny. Since Jotham didn’t mention any of this to me, I’m assuming you realize you’re spending our joint funds, you know, the ‘marital assets“?”

She deliberately emphasized the word “marital,” her gaze unwavering.

“Ramona, you-!”

Brianna was furious, trembling with indignation, barely restraining herself from marching over and starting a fight.

Marital assets? Ramona, of all people, trying to claim joint property? The nerve!

In her mind, it was Ramona who was spending her husband’s money.

But Jotham quickly scooped up the fallen bags and handed them to Ramona. “You’ve got it all wrong. These are for clients. I haven’t even picked out a gift for Ms. Prescott yet. If you don’t approve, I won’t buy anything. Ms. Prescott doesn’t mind, but you–don’t tell me you’re jealous of her, are you?”

He managed a lighthearted laugh, as if the whole thing were nothing to fuss over.

Ramona smiled, tilting her head to glance at the yellow diamond bracelet on Brianna’s wrist. “And that bracelet, is that for a client, too?”

“Of course,” Jotham said smoothly, before Brianna could even open her mouth. “I just asked Ms. Prescott to try it on for me.”

Without another word, he unclasped the bracelet and dropped it back into the shopping bag. Brianna’s face went pale with humiliation and fury, but Ramona only gave a soft, dismissive laugh.

“Jotham, if these are all client gifts, isn’t it a breach of company policy to have a former employee like Ms. Prescott choose them for you?”

Her gentle tone belied the sharpness of her words. Jotham broke into a cold sweat. If this got back to his father, he could lose his position as CEO.

“It’s just that Ms. Prescott was being helpful, but you’re right, Ramona. I wasn’t thinking it through. Why don’t you pick the gifts instead?”

With that, he handed all the shopping bags to Ramona, determined to smooth things over.

Brianna could only watch, her eyes brimming with tears as Jotham gave away everything he’d chosen for her. She bit her lip, glaring at Ramona, refusing to let the tears fall.

“If I’m the one choosing, you can be sure I won’t pick anything as tacky as Ms. Prescott did. Holt Group’s reputation is worth more than that.”

Ramona cast a disdainful glance at the bags, then handed them to the sales associate who’d just helped her.

“My husband bought these, but they’re not quite right. Why don’t you keep them?”

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Chapter 85

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.