“Nova, is following Ramona really that great?”
Holden just couldn’t wrap his head around it. Ramona wasn’t even Nova’s real sister. How could a simple debt of gratitude compare to the power, money, and pleasure the world had to offer?
Nova responded coolly, “Mr. Covington, is it really that great for you to follow Melinda around, engaging in her self-destructive games?”
“Hah,” Holden scoffed again. “Melinda is my mother. Besides, she has her reasons. Just because she’s at odds with Ramona, that makes her actions self-destructive?”
“The Covington Group isn’t a one-person show. I believe if you and Melinda were willing, everyone could coexist peacefully.”
As she spoke, Nova turned and went into the bedroom to change the sheets. She had no intention of sharing bedding with Holden. She remembered an old set she was about to throw out; it wasn’t dirty, so she’d put that on the bed for him to make do for one night. She would sleep on the couch.
Watching the small woman bustle about, Holden felt an unexpected warmth spread through his chest. At home, maids always made his bed. He’d been treated like a young master his whole life, but as far back as he could remember, no family member had ever done something like this for him. Maybe it was Nova’s common touch, but it gave him a sense of familial closeness.
Holden rubbed his nose, the last of his annoyance toward her washing away completely.
“Peaceful coexistence? Easier said than done,” he said. “My mother built half of this empire. Benedict’s will was a complete betrayal. If you were in her shoes, would you just hand over the life’s work you’d dedicated half your life to?”
“But that was Benedict’s mistake, not a burden Ramona should have to bear. Besides, Ramona has suffered enough. Inheriting the family fortune now is just her finally getting what she deserves. She didn’t steal or cheat her way into it, so why should she just hand it over?” Nova replied, her voice still calm.
She knew Melinda and Holden had their perspective, but her loyalty was with Ramona, and she wasn't about to overthink it. Besides, Ramona was a reasonable person, principled and measured in her actions. If it weren’t for the fact that Melinda and Holden were Benedict’s family, Ramona, with Mr. Jordon’s backing, could have struck back much harder.
Holden couldn’t be bothered to argue with a woman like Nova. In truth, if Melinda weren’t his mother, he wouldn’t care much about right or wrong.
He stood up, took off his jacket, and began unbuttoning his shirt. “I’m going to take a shower. Do you have a fresh towel and pajamas?”
“How would I have anything in your size…”
“If you don’t, go buy some. The supermarket nearby sells them. I wear a size large.”

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