Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 566

Nora forced a smile. "Nothing. Let's go."

"Hehe, let's hit the road!"

...

The Whitman Estate was nestled quietly in the heart of Northampton. With its red walls, gray tiles, and swept-wing roofs, it was an oasis of calm in the bustling city. The two stone lions guarding the entrance were worn smooth by years of weather, yet the estate still exuded a formidable, commanding presence.

By the time Hudson and Liam were led inside by the elderly butler, the morning sun was fully up.

After passing through three courtyards and bypassing a massive screen wall, the view opened up spectacularly.

A tranquil artificial lake sat in the center of the backyard, surrounded by decorative rocks dotted with moss and thin frost.

On a woven rattan chair by the lake, an old man in a navy blue padded robe was half-sitting, half-lying in the sun.

He looked to be in his nineties. His hair was completely white, and the wrinkles on his face were carved deep like ravines. But the moment he opened his eyes, a sharp, piercing intensity radiated from them.

"Mr. Whitman," the old butler bowed, keeping his voice incredibly soft. "Hudson Lancaster is here."

Elias Whitman turned his head. His gaze lingered on Hudson for a second before he slowly sat up and patted the empty rattan chair next to him.

"Sit."

Hudson didn't stand on ceremony. He walked over and sat down with a relaxed posture, looking as comfortable as if he were in his own backyard.

Liam stood half a step behind him, his head slightly bowed in total respect, remaining utterly silent.

Elias picked up the purple clay teapot from the small table and poured himself a cup. "I met your parents a few times when they were young. They were highly capable people."

He paused, picking up his cup but not drinking from it, merely using it to warm his hands. "You are even more capable than them."

A faint smile touched Hudson's lips. "You flatter me, Mr. Whitman."

Elias set the cup down and turned to look at him. His cloudy yet razor-sharp eyes seemed to be measuring Hudson's worth. "You didn't come here just to reminisce with an old man."

Hudson didn't waste time. He stated his purpose directly: he wanted The Ivory Pill from the Whitman family's secret collection.

Elias remained silent for a long moment.

"The Ivory Pill. Yes, the Whitman family does have one left."

He spoke slowly. "It's an heirloom passed down through generations. It's been nearly a century. Normally, a treasure like this isn't given away lightly."

"I understand." Hudson waited patiently for him to finish.

Elias gave him a meaningful look. "But I'm old. My lineage has dwindled down to one useless grandson, Cade. As long as I'm breathing, he can survive by hiding behind my name. But once I'm gone..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but his implication was crystal clear.

Elias waved his hand, and the butler retrieved the box.

"Thank you, Mr. Whitman," Liam said gratefully.

Elias waved them off. "Just ensure the Whitman family's future."

Hudson stood up. "If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave. We will return in three days."

"Safe travels."

Hudson and Liam walked out.

But as they approached the grand crimson gates, they bumped right into someone.

It was the sole heir of the Whitman family—Cade Whitman.

Cade was wearing a crumpled mink coat and a thick gold chain, his arms wrapped around two heavily made-up women.

"You again?"

Cade shoved the women aside and marched up, pointing a finger right at Liam's face. "Are you stalking me or something? You were sneaking around my house a few days ago, and now you're back?"

His eyes shifted to Hudson, looking him up and down. His pale face, ruined by years of alcohol and partying, twisted into an arrogant sneer. "And who the hell is this guy?"