The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 153

Fenton’s heartfelt words hung in the air, leaving Yancey with nothing more to say. He simply nodded in agreement.

After most of the guests had left, Holden finally noticed Nadia sitting alone in the corner. She hadn’t left with her parents, wanting a moment to herself, and remained at her seat, unmoving. But now, as the room emptied out, she rose to her feet, looking utterly lost as she prepared to leave.

“Ms. Shepard, wait a moment.”

Holden strode over, his tone gentle as he called out to her.

Nadia turned, her eyes red and swollen. She shot him a sullen glance. “Is there something you need, Mr. Covington?”

“I just noticed you seemed a little down tonight. Did something happen? Was there anything we could’ve done better?”

Nadia shook her head. “No, nothing.”

“You had a bit to drink tonight, didn’t you? I’m free now. Let me give you a ride home,” Holden offered, flashing her a warm, reassuring smile.

Nadia had already called for a ride, but at Holden’s suggestion, she didn’t refuse. The shadow of Ethan's marriage to Ramona still loomed over her, and she was barely holding herself together.

Once inside Holden’s car, she refused to sit up front, choosing the back seat instead.

Holden tried to make conversation, but Nadia only responded with distracted, half-hearted answers.

With no better option, Holden focused on driving.

Halfway to their destination, while waiting at a red light, Nadia suddenly began frantically pounding on the car door. “I’m going to be sick.”

Startled, Holden quickly pulled over to the curb.

Nadia had clearly had more than a few drinks. She staggered out, clutching a tree for support as she vomited, every shred of composure forgotten.

Holden turned his head away, pulled a silk handkerchief from his pocket, and handed it to her.

“You really are having a rough night, Ms. Shepard.”

His words were gentle, but inwardly, Holden was more than a little put off. Once upon a time, Nadia had been the darling of high society—beautiful, talented, from a prominent family, admired and protected by many. Now, all for Ethan, she’d let herself fall to pieces, looking like a woman scorned.

It was almost pitiful.

“Why are you helping me, Holden? Don’t bother sugarcoating it. If you have something to say, just say it.”

After catching her breath, Nadia wiped her mouth and tossed his handkerchief aside.

Holden’s eye twitched; he hadn’t expected her to be polite, but that handkerchief was expensive. Still, it wasn’t like he was going to ask for it back.

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