The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 257

"Sorry, couldn't stop myself."

Holden quickly regained his balance, the lazy words tumbling out as he habitually straightened the lapels of his suit.

He had kicked with considerable force. The assistant was rolling on the ground, groaning, unable to get up.

Mr. Hawk thought someone was causing trouble and was about to shout for security when he recognized Holden's face. "Mr. Covington?"

He visited Covington Group several times a year and had, of course, seen Holden before.

The sight of Holden made Mr. Hawk’s face pale with a mixture of surprise and panic.

"What… what brings you here today? Are you here for a meeting?"

Holden smirked and glanced at Nova. "What are you waiting for? Get over here."

Nova clutched the fabric of her dress, hesitated for a moment, and then quickly moved to stand behind Holden.

The whole damsel-in-distress act was nauseating, but judging by Holden’s triumphant expression, he was clearly enjoying it.

And why wouldn't he? In his eyes, he had just saved her again.

"Mr. Covington, you and Ms. Sawyer are…" Mr. Hawk's heart sank. Could there be something between them?

It was an unwritten rule not to mess with your own employees. Surely Holden wouldn't be involved with someone from his own company?

"Don't concern yourself with things that aren't your business, and don't ask questions you shouldn't ask."

Holden's voice was soft, but as he spoke, he deliberately reached back and grabbed Nova's hand.

She tried to pull away but couldn't, and he yanked her to his side.

"Mr. Hawk, did you have a particular reason for inviting an employee from our project department out alone?"

Holden's question sent a chill down Mr. Hawk's spine. He swallowed hard before stammering a reply.

"I… I just wanted to… get to know Ms. Sawyer."

"You're not a young man. You must have a wife and kids at home, don't you? Using your position to lure a young employee out… If this scandal gets out, you might be looking at more than just an early retirement."

Holden snorted and glanced at Nova again. He had to admit, she cleaned up nicely. Her face was exquisite, and as she looked down, her long lashes cast shimmering shadows in the light, giving her a delicate, rosy glow.

A lock of hair fell from her cheek to her collarbone, and she smelled wonderful—not of perfume, but of the natural scent of her hair.

Mr. Hawk's legs went weak, and he had to grab the edge of the table to keep from collapsing.

"Mr. Covington! I was out of line today. My thoughts were inappropriate. I never should have considered something so foolish! You're right, I have a family, and I can't afford this kind of disgrace. Please, I'm begging you, let this go…"

"Go and resign tomorrow. Having someone like you in this position is a liability. Otherwise, don't blame me for making your life difficult."

Holden tossed the threat out impatiently. His usual suave, gentlemanly demeanor was gone, replaced by a raw, aggressive energy.

He was supposed to be the hero, but the words coming out of his mouth sounded more like one villain threatening another. He was playing the part of the bad guy perfectly.

When Holden stepped out of the room, he scanned the area, expecting Nova to have already left. To his surprise, he found her waiting just around the corner.

"Waiting for me?"

Holden instinctively moved to embrace her from behind, but as soon as he touched her, she sidestepped, expertly avoiding him.

"Mr. Covington, what… what were you doing here today?"

She was committed to the role. Now that they were alone, her demeanor immediately shifted to one of wariness and unease.

Holden had anticipated this question and smirked. "Let's talk outside."

Nova lowered her head and didn't say a word, but this time, she obediently followed him.

Knowing she disliked his touch, Holden suppressed the urge to reach for her.

By the time they left the hotel, the temperature had dropped. A cool evening breeze swept by, and Holden noticed Nova shrink into herself. She was wearing a pale pink, strapless, mid-length dress that clung to her figure. Her fair, slender limbs and neck were exposed, and she looked cold.