Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 231

Finnian Fairchild didn't bother beating around the bush. "Any news on that matter I asked you to look into, Mr. Lancaster?"

It was about Felix Vaughn again. Hudson Lancaster knew exactly what he meant, though his expression remained unreadable. "Not yet."

Disappointment flashed across Finnian's face. "Any leads, then?"

Hudson took a sip of his bourbon, his tone indifferent. "I had my people scour all of San Francisco. We didn't find the person you're looking for. Are you certain they're even in the city?"

"I'm sure."

Hudson let out a soft chuckle, though the amusement didn't reach his eyes. "How can you be so sure? It's been over a decade. Their face and name could have completely changed. What makes you so positive they're hiding out in San Francisco?"

Finnian pressed his lips into a tight line. "That doesn't concern you. Just help me find them."

Hudson stared at him for a few seconds before breaking into a real smile. "Finnian, partnerships require a little transparency. If you won't even share your source with me, how am I supposed to help you? San Francisco might not be the biggest city in the world, but it's more than large enough to hide someone. If you want me to turn the place upside down, you have to at least point me in the right direction."

Finnian met his gaze head-on. "I can't disclose my source."

"Then you'll have to find someone else. I can't help you."

Their eyes locked in a silent standoff, neither man willing to yield an inch.

The tension in the room thickened, heavy and suffocating.

Sensing the impending explosion, Jude Winslow quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, both of you need to cool down. It's rare for us to get together like this. Let's not ruin the mood over a minor disagreement."

He raised his glass toward Hudson. "Hudson, Finnian is just anxious. He's been searching for years, and now that he finally has a lead, he's a little on edge. Don't take it personally."

Hudson didn't clink his glass. Instead, he leaned back in his leather chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "It's been a few years, Jude, and now you're playing these games, too."

Jude's smile faltered.

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