Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 555

In a flash, Olive stepped in front of Nora, her wrist flicking slightly to conceal a razor-thin blade between her fingers.

“Relax.”

Phoebe Vaughn slid her sunglasses into her breast pocket. She casually took two steps toward Nora and stopped, tilting her head as she studied her for a few seconds.

Then, she smiled. Reaching out, she pinched Nora’s cheek.

“How are you so cute? No wonder Lancaster is obsessed. I’d be obsessed, too.”

Nora was stunned by the sudden pinch, and Olive stood frozen, her blade still poised, entirely unsure if she should attack or not.

Phoebe let go and took a half-step back, slipping her hands into her pockets. “I heard from Liam that Hudson is fiercely devoted to his wife. So, I figured I’d come talk to you instead. After all, this is a matter of life and death.”

Hearing the phrase 'life and death,' Nora immediately grew tense.

For some inexplicable reason, she didn't dislike Phoebe. Her instincts told her this woman wasn't here to hurt her.

Plus, they were in the middle of Star Entertainment; even if Phoebe wanted to start trouble, she wouldn't do it so openly.

“Let's go upstairs to the lounge, then.”

“Sure.”

Phoebe was entirely unbothered.

Seeing that the lounge was upstairs, she threw a look over her shoulder at her army of bodyguards. “Wait down here.”

“Yes, ma'am!” they responded in booming unison.

Once they entered the lounge and the door clicked shut, Phoebe made herself right at home. She dropped onto the sofa, crossed her legs, and got straight to the point. “I heard you were there the night I tried to assassinate Vincent? Sorry about that.”

“...”

Nora was rendered speechless. Saying 'it’s fine' felt wildly inappropriate, so she just stayed quiet.

Phoebe’s apology was clearly just a formality anyway. She brushed a lock of hair over her shoulder and turned serious. “You probably know Vincent has allied with the Fairchilds. I’m completely isolated over here, so I need an ally. I tried approaching Hudson, but he shut me down.”

Nora gave a helpless smile. “If Hudson refused, I can't change his mind.”

Phoebe scoffed. “Yes, you can. Everyone knows he’s entirely whipped.”

“...”

Before Nora could formulate a response, Phoebe’s playful smirk faded. “I came here with a genuine offer. Doesn't Hudson want The Ivory Pill? I’m offering intel on its location in exchange for his alliance. How about it?”

The Ivory Pill?

Nora frowned, having absolutely no idea what the woman was talking about.

Phoebe assumed she was playing hard to get and elaborated. “You must know this pill isn't something you can buy on the black market. My intel is worth the trade. And of course, as allies, I’ll step in to help with whatever you need down the line. What do you say, Mrs. Lancaster? Do we have a deal?”

Nora furrowed her brows. “What exactly is The Ivory Pill?”

Phoebe blinked. “You don't know about The Ivory Pill?”

Nora shook her head. “What is it?”

Phoebe stared at her for a long moment before bursting into laughter. “Wow, Lancaster really kept you in the dark.”

Phoebe strolled toward the door, turning back just as she grabbed the handle. “Honey, your eyes are beautiful.”

Nora was caught off guard. “What?”

“I’m off. Bye.” Phoebe waved dismissively and stepped out of the room.

The door clicked shut, leaving the lounge in silence.

Nora shook her head, an amused smile touching her lips. Deep down, she felt a flicker of envy. Only someone raised at the absolute pinnacle of power, like the Vaughn family, could afford to act with such unbridled arrogance and freedom.

She envied her.

But she could never be her.

...

Meanwhile, at the Argent Club.

The moment Phoebe walked into the private room, she saw Hudson sitting on the sofa, his face an emotionless mask of ice. Beside him sat Sebastian and Grant, looking as though they were bracing for war.

She swaggered over, dropped onto the opposite sofa, and crossed her legs. Without looking, she held her hand out.

A bodyguard instantly stepped forward and placed a glass of whiskey into her palm.

She took a sip, her eyes sweeping over the three men before locking onto Hudson. “Hudson, your reputation as a whipped husband truly precedes you. I barely spoke two words to your wife, and you're already hunting me down. Tsk, tsk.”

Hudson tossed his lighter onto the glass table and leaned back. A cold, mocking smirk played on his lips. “Do you actually think those hundred bodyguards can keep you alive? If I call Vincent right now and tell him you're sitting in my club, what kind of reward do you think he’d offer me?”