Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 37

The atmosphere in the room shifted, growing dangerously charged.

The tension between them crackled like a lit fuse, the temperature steadily rising.

Hudson's gaze trailed slowly down her flushed face, lingering on her collarbones, then dropping to the glittering diamonds lining her neckline... and then lower.

Suddenly, a phone rang, shattering the heavy silence.

Hudson glanced at his screen and frowned in annoyance.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "I need to take this," he rasped, his voice even rougher than before.

Nora nodded furiously, her face completely flushed.

Hudson's eyes lingered on her rosy cheeks for a second longer, a satisfied smirk forming on his lips.

As he walked past Arthur standing guard by the door, he paused. "Keep an eye on her."

"Yes, Boss."

Hudson walked down the corridor and pushed open the door to a VIP lounge. He answered the call, and Grant's loud, arrogant voice echoed through the speaker. "Hey, I heard you took the famous Nora Reed dress shopping today."

Hudson didn't elaborate. "Yeah."

He sat down on the leather sofa, crossing his long legs, and pulled out a cigarette, though he didn't light it.

"Are you serious about this?" Grant laughed in disbelief. "I never knew you were so superstitious! You really think this marriage will cure your illness? Besides, don't you already have someone you're obsessed with?"

Hudson lowered his gaze, his thumb tracing the unlit cigarette. "Did you need something? If not, I'm hanging up."

"Wait, wait! Yes, I need something!" Grant scrambled. "About Star Entertainment... were you being serious?"

"What do you think?"

"Alright," Grant agreed easily. "I'll have the paperwork drawn up and transferred to you."

Hudson smirked. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Grant paused. "Oh, by the way, my cousin Leo is signed there as a singer. He goofs off a lot. If he causes any trouble, just kick his ass to the curb. You don't have to spare my feelings."

Nora smiled politely, remaining quiet.

The woman in the mirror looked almost ethereal.

It brought back painful memories from two years ago, when she had spent countless hours dreaming of her wedding day.

Back then, she fully believed the man standing beside her would be Edmond.

Thinking about it now just made her sick.

"Nora Reed?"

A voice suddenly called out from behind.

Nora turned around.

A small group of women was walking toward her.

The one leading the pack was dressed head-to-toe in Chanel, strutting in dangerously high stilettos. Before she even got close, an overpowering wave of perfume assaulted Nora's senses.