The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 207

“When did I ever say… I hated you?” Nova blinked, her expression a poor imitation of sincerity, but her voice was soft.

For a second, Holden almost thought she was trying to flirt with him.

“Weren’t you ready to throw me out and call the cops just last night?” Holden leaned in, his voice a low, lazy drawl near her lips. “Nova, what are you really up to?”

“I…” Nova shrank back, but Holden cupped her face in his hands. The pressure of his large frame was immense, his breath warm against her ear. “Or did I do something… unforgettable… while I was blacked out that’s left you wanting more?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Nova’s ears flushed red, and she pressed her hands against his chest. “I’m just returning the favor from last time… After this meal, we’re even.” Her voice trailed off, her eyes darting away, unable to meet his. Even she knew the excuse was flimsy.

Holden studied her for a long moment, as if trying to read her mind. He truly hadn't expected her to approach him willingly. He was in a foul mood today, and this girl might be just the diversion he needed. He was curious to see what game she was playing.

He chose a Japanese restaurant near Covington Group. It was famous for its chef, offered excellent privacy, and was exorbitantly expensive. One meal there would cost Nova more than half her monthly salary. She didn’t seem to mind, letting Holden order whatever he wanted.

As they ate in the private room, Nova kept stealing glances at him.

Holden noticed her gaze and, after a few bites, suddenly spoke. “Am I that good-looking?”

His question snapped Nova out of her thoughts, and she immediately looked down.

When she didn’t answer, Holden’s irritation grew. “I asked you a question.”

“I was just thinking about something,” she said quietly.

“I didn’t ask what you were thinking. I asked if you think I’m good-looking.” A small smile played on Holden’s lips. The light from the window highlighted the sharp contours of his face, giving him a striking profile.

But as handsome as Holden was, he wasn’t Nova’s type. She wasn’t particularly drawn to pretty faces; she preferred men with an air of integrity and righteousness, like… Mr. Jordon. Holden’s aura was too predatory, especially those sharp, upward-tilting eyes that always seemed to hold a thousand schemes, whether he was smiling or not. He didn’t look like a good person.

After a moment, she finally nodded. “You’re… you’re quite handsome, Mr. Covington.”

The slight hesitation in her voice, the transparently forced compliment, was worse than an outright insult.

Holden’s face fell, and the food suddenly lost its flavor.

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