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Nova’s brow furrowed in concern. She knew Ramona’s habit of masking her turmoil with a calm exterior. When Jotham had betrayed her, she had shown no outward signs of distress, carrying on as usual until the very end. Nova still couldn’t fathom how someone could endure such a deep betrayal and still have the strength to function, to seek revenge, to move on. She admired Ramona’s resilience.

Nova herself was consumed by a desire for vengeance that left her little peace. She just hoped Ramona wouldn’t be hurt again. Men weren’t worth it. Her own dear friend, who had had such a bright future, had thrown it all away for a man.

Even though Nova knew Ramona was strong, she worried. A person could only endure so much. She knew what Mr. Jordon meant to Ramona at this fragile point in her life. Even she, seeing them together, had felt a flicker of hope for love.

“Ramona.”

“Hmm?” Ramona answered without looking up.

“Don’t pay any attention to the messages in the group chat. No one knows what’s really going on. I trust your judgment.”

Ramona finally looked up at Nova’s wide, concerned eyes and managed a small smile. “Thank you for worrying, but I’m fine. I don’t believe Ethan would get back together with Nadia.”

She knew Nova understood her, so there was no point in pretending. The news had shaken her, triggering a brief, painful echo of her past trauma, but she had quickly regained her composure. If the rumors were true, a man with Ethan’s resources would never have let those photos leak. More importantly, she trusted him. She trusted his character and his sense of responsibility as the head of Jordon Group.

She was just worried about what he was hiding from her, what Nadia had been trying to tell her. Why was Nadia so confident that Ethan couldn’t let her go?

“Good,” Nova said, relieved. “As long as you’re okay. You always told me there’s a solution to every problem.”

Ramona nodded, her smile deepening. “By the way, has Holden been bothering you again?”

Nova’s eyes flickered, and she hesitated before shaking her head. “But Ramona, there’s something I need to confess.”

“What is it?”

“Holden is… interested in me.”

Ramona was taken aback. She already knew he had been harassing Nova. What was she

18:03

getting at?

Nova looked down. I’m thinking of… giving him a chance.”

“Nova, do you hear yourself?” Ramona stood up abruptly and walked over to her, placing a hand on her forehead just as Holden had done.

Nova stood perfectly still, letting her.

“I know what I’m doing, Ramona,” she said, her voice firmer now. I’ve thought it through. A man like Holden can be used. He’s only on temporary leave from Covington Group. He’s not going to give up on trying to hurt you.”

“You want to use Holden?” Ramona’s perception of Nova shifted. “I know you want to help, but I can’t let you do it this way. I can handle Holden myself. He’s not someone to be trifled with. Besides, Holden’s reputation as a playboy was well–known. Even if Nova went in with the intention of destroying him, there was no telling who would end up getting hurt.

“I don’t want you to fight this alone,” Nova insisted, her mind made up. “I don’t have to get too close to him. But since he’s interested, I can use that to find his weaknesses, to gather information… and…” She hesitated, not wanting to bring her friend into it. Holden deserved to pay for his sins, but she had to protect her friend’s memory.

“And what?”

“And I hate him. I want to see him ruined.”

A sudden, fierce intensity entered Nova’s voice.

Ramona was stunned. She hadn’t realized Nova’s resentment ran so deep. But she could understand it. Holden’s behavior had been despicable, a humiliation no young woman should have to endure.

“Nova, I promise you, I will make him pay for what he did to you. But you can’t hurt someone like him easily. Getting involved with a man like that will only end up hurting you more.” Ramona took Nova’s hand, her voice gentle.

But no matter what she said, Nova was resolute. “Ramona, I know you’re just looking out for me. But I can handle myself. You’ve already done so much for me. I’m telling you this now so there are no misunderstandings. No matter how close I get to Holden, my loyalty is always with you.”

Fearing Ramona would try to dissuade her further, Nova bowed quickly and rushed out of the

room.

Ramona, unable to stop her, was left feeling helpless. How had Nova gotten entangled with Holden? At least he was away from the company for now, so she wouldn’t have to worry about them interacting at work. But Nova’s stubbornness was a problem. Persuasion was clearly not going to work.

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Just as her frustration peaked, her phone vibrated. Her heart leaped, thinking it was Ethan, but the caller ID showed Fenton’s name.

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Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.