The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 158

Ethan’s shoulders trembled again, ever so slightly. He had never heard words like that before.

His father’s harshness, the pity of others—those had nailed him to the cross of “original sin” long ago. Yet Ramona, so effortlessly, had reached up and pulled him down.

He lingered in her arms a moment longer before he slowly lifted his head. “Ramona, let’s go.”

...

Covington Group, midday.

After wrapping up her usual round of company business, Ramona was just about to head downstairs for lunch when she ran into Nova, who was stepping out of the elevator with her head down, clearly lost in thought.

“Nova?”

Ramona knew Nova had taken the morning off. She was aware that Nova’s family was going through a rough patch, but Nova was always conscientious and never let personal matters interfere with work. That’s why Ramona had approved a full paid day off for her, no questions asked.

But it was barely noon and Nova was already back at the office.

“Ramona!”

Nova looked startled, and there was a flicker of guilt in her eyes as she glanced at Ramona.

“I thought you needed the day off. Did everything get sorted out?” Ramona asked gently, concern in her voice.

Nova nodded, looking a bit drained. “It’s all taken care of now. Nothing major, really. Sorry to make you worry.”

“No need to apologize. Things are pretty quiet at the office lately. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

Ramona smiled and gave Nova’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Nova had been the first junior staffer Ramona had mentored at Holt Group. Though the youngest in the department, Nova was by far the most hardworking—sharp, quick to learn, always picking things up on the first try.

Ramona saw real promise in her, so she’d been guiding her closely ever since. Outside work, there were even parts of Nova that reminded Ramona of herself. The two of them got along almost like sisters.

“Okay…”

Nova had barely replied when the elevator behind her chimed, and Holden stepped out.

He locked eyes with Ramona first, but his gaze flickered to Nova as well, a curious eyebrow raised.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

Seeing Holden, Ramona instinctively drew Nova a little behind her. “Mr. Covington, you’re running late today.”

Usually Holden was the first in, buzzing around full of energy long before the staff had even arrived. Ramona considered herself a workaholic, but even she couldn’t keep up with him.

“What can I say? Had to play the hero last night.”

Holden’s words were cryptic, his eyes glinting with amusement as they wandered from Ramona to Nova, who was standing behind her with her head bowed.

Holden’s gaze lingered on Nova for only a moment before moving on.

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