From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 235

Jade picked it up. It was an unknown number.

Thinking it was a client, she answered.

But it was Hudson's deep, low voice on the other end.

"When are you coming home?"

" I'm busy. I'm staying at the studio tonight. I'm not coming back." With that, she hung up.

According to her talk with Silas in Habor City, their move against Hudson was coming soon.

Once Hudson's company hit the rocks, he'd be too busy to bother her. All she had to do was wait for the divorce.

At Grandview Estate, Hudson stood by the window staring at his phone, his expression terrifyingly grim.

Knock, knock, knock.

A sound at the study door.

"Come in," he said, walking to his desk.

Kevin entered.

"Sir, the check is complete. The land is definitely up for bid and is a top priority for government development."

"Good."

Hudson made an immediate call.

"Invest $100 million. If we need more for the follow-up, let me know."

"Yes, sir," Kevin replied.

The next day, Hudson's decision was met with a wall of opposition from the shareholders.

Hudson pushed past them all and forced the investment through.

After the meeting, Bert called him into his office for a private word.

"Are you sure about the intel on this project? Something feels off about the projections."

Hudson was absolute. "I've been tracking this forever. It's a guaranteed win."

Bert still trusted his son's business instincts, so he dropped it. "As long as you've done your homework."

—

Jade's studio was in full swing, and she'd been buried in work for days.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

An anonymous contact sent her an audio file.

She slid her finger across the screen and hit play.

A weak, desperate plea filled the room.

"Jade... Jade, help me... please..."

Crash—

Jade stood up so fast her chair toppled over. She gripped the phone with white knuckles.

She did it on purpose!

Jade slammed her hand onto the desk, leaning over it and taking several deep breaths.

When she stood up, she called Silas Faith, her voice hard as iron.

"Silas, Lyndon's people took my friend. This is part of our deal now. Find her."

"What happened?" Silas asked.

Jade rubbed her temples. "I got a recording of her begging for help. Then Amara called. She wants the files in exchange for my friend. I agreed, and then she hung up on me."

"I'll have my people on it immediately," Silas said, his voice reassuring. "Don't panic. They want the files. Your friend is their only leverage; they won't hurt her until they have what they want."

Amara probably just wanted to test Jade—to see if she was really willing to trade the files for a friend.

Jade's chest heaved with suppressed rage.

Silas warned her, "Until I have a location, do not confront Amara. Don't go looking for her. If you provoke her, it won't end well for your friend or our plans."

"I know. Just hurry."

Jade hung up and slid into her chair, her strength failing her.

She covered her face as hot tears escaped her eyes.

She'd known Jewell for years. Back in middle school, when Jade would come home late from study sessions, Cindy would have the maids toss out the leftovers so she had nothing to eat.

Michael wouldn't say a word; he'd just yell at Jade for making a scene, telling her she wouldn't die from missing one meal. Jade, usually so quiet, had finally snapped, screamed at her father, and run out into the night.