The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 287

She knew better than anyone. Holden was a monster. He played with emotions, trampled on people's hearts, and had no regard for human life. He deserved to die.

But that was precisely why she had to get close to him.

"Nova…"

"Ramona, please don't worry about me. You just take care of yourself. Even if Holden is interested in me, it's not clear who will come out on top." For the first time, Nova cut Ramona off.

Her expression was resolute, but her eyes held a chilling coldness Ramona had never seen before. The gentle, lamb-like girl she knew seemed to have transformed into someone else entirely. Her tone was final, as if her course was set and nothing could change it.

"Nova, what's going on with you? Is there something between you and Holden that I don't know about?" Ramona grabbed Nova's hand and found it ice-cold.

Nova looked down just as the elevator doors opened. They had reached the parking garage. It was time for Ramona to go.

"Ramona, I'm sorry. This is my own battle. I know some of my ideas are extreme and foolish, but I… I have to do this."

She had to make Holden pay, using any means necessary.

Ramona was right. Playing games with Holden was like playing with fire. If Ramona knew the dark, extreme thoughts swirling in Nova's mind, she would never approve. But simply seeing him disgraced wasn't enough to quell the rage in her heart.

Perhaps her methods were working. These past few days, Holden had noticeably changed for her. A few words of praise from her were like training a dog, correcting his small habits one by one. He texted her goodnight every evening without fail and found subtle ways to flirt with her at the office.

Nova knew that in his eyes, she was a fish slowly taking the bait. But the more she played along, the more an uncontrollable desire grew within her… a desire for him to pay with his life.

Sometimes, when the devil inside you is awakened, there's no stopping it. Nova had to admit, maybe she wasn't a good person either. She wasn't kind or forgiving. She was extreme and dark.

"Do you really think a man like Holden can fall in love?" Ramona's expression grew complicated. She had a sinking feeling she knew what Nova was planning, and the thought terrified her. Whether Nova was driven by a desire to conquer him or something else entirely, it was a dangerous game.

"Everyone has a weakness," Nova said with a faint smile. She gave Ramona a brief hug, her palm resting gently over Ramona's heart. "Even you, Ramona. You were hurt by love, but you still have a weakness."

"But Holden isn't like me. He's not like us."

"He is different. But as long as he's capable of feelings, who can say for sure how things will turn out?"

She hung up before he could respond, giving him no chance to escalate the argument. But she knew Holden was driven by self-interest. No matter how much he was enjoying his flirtation with Nova, her threat would give him pause.

...

Ramona arrived home still simmering with frustration. As she stepped out of the elevator, she took a few deep breaths, forcing a smile onto her face. Holden was such a bastard!

The moment she opened her front door, Florence rushed forward, enveloping her in a soft, warm hug. "Oh, my dear Ramona, you're home!"

Though it had only been a few days, Florence greeted her with the enthusiasm of a long-lost relative, planting two kisses on her cheeks. Her face was glowing with happiness.

Shelby Whitaker was right behind her, smiling warmly at Ramona. "You must be exhausted from work. I just made several kinds of wellness lattes. Perfect timing. Come try one."

"I'd love to!" Seeing Shelby and Florence, Ramona's bad mood instantly evaporated. A home with family was a true home; she felt it deeply in that moment. Opening the door to such warmth and affection was a shield against any storm the outside world could throw at her.

Ethan was inside with Phineas, who loved to talk about military history, a topic only Ethan could indulge him in.