The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 311

Nova looked at Holden. He just smiled, pulling a money clip from his jacket. "How much were the medical bills?"

"Four thousand..." the teacher answered automatically.

Holden peeled off a thick wad of cash and tossed it at the Shaws' feet.

"You—!" The couple looked ready to explode. The gesture was a flagrant insult.

"Take the thirty thousand, or you get nothing. If your son has any further 'complications,' you can contact me. My name is Holden Covington."

As an afterthought, he tossed his business card down as well.

Mrs. Shaw was shaking with rage. "Do you have any idea who we are? You talk to us like that? You think you can get away with this? I guarantee you, Heath's academic career is over!"

At that, Heath's bravado wavered, and he looked anxiously at Nova. But Nova was no longer worried. Holden Covington was not a man to be trifled with. He wouldn't let this insult slide, even if he wasn't doing it for them. All she had to do was watch.

"Really? You're a big deal around here?" Holden asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You're damn right! I'm friends with some of the most powerful people in this city..."

Holden cut him off with a laugh and turned to Heath. "How are your grades?"

Heath's eyes lit up. "They're good," he said, proudly rattling off his excellent scores in every subject.

"With grades like these, a student this bright should be at the best school in Havencrest City. A place like this doesn't deserve you."

As Holden spoke, Mrs. Shaw finally bent down to pick up his card. When she saw the words "Covington Group, Havencrest City," her eyes nearly popped out of her head. She had assumed Nova had hooked up with some rich kid, a spoiled heir. She never imagined that this arrogant, handsome man was from the Covington Group, the biggest pharmaceutical company in the country. With their influence, Heath could get into any school he wanted... he could probably get a full scholarship to a top university with a single phone call.

"That's right, Heath's your friend, we would never make things difficult for him..."

Holden shot them a contemptuous look, then walked over to the teacher and whispered something in her ear. She blushed and nodded. "I understand."

"Let's go," Holden said to Nova, signaling that they were done. It was late, and he had no intention of driving all the way back. He booked two rooms at a hotel near the hospital—one for Nova and Heath, and one for himself.

Later that night, there was a knock on his door. He had just gotten out of the shower and answered it with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Nova averted her eyes immediately.

Holden, unconcerned, casually dried his hair. "Why are you so shy? Haven't you ever seen a body this good before?"

"Mr. Covington, please put some clothes on," Nova said, rolling her eyes. She had to admit, he had a great body. But in her eyes, he was just a walking, talking, incredibly narcissistic jackhammer.

"What is it?" he asked, turning to grab a robe. He hated using hotel robes and towels, but he hadn't brought a change of clothes.