Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 603

Nora was always highly efficient.

Once River's signing was confirmed, she immediately called the director of the music reality show to ask if they could squeeze in a newcomer.

The director had already witnessed the sheer power of capital—last time, unwanted footage was wiped out without a trace. Adding a new contestant was child's play.

Moreover, the show was primarily produced by Star Entertainment, and all the backend funding was fully sponsored by the Lancaster Group. Even if he wanted to say no, he couldn't.

The budget they provided was simply too massive to refuse!

With River's spot secured, Nora sought him out to review the schedule for the next day's shoot.

She had to admit, River had a fantastic stage presence. His formal training showed. Whether it was his blocking, his camera awareness, or his vocal control, he was leagues ahead of other rookies.

Even compared to Leo Hamilton, he held his own.

Just as the two of them were going over the rundown line by line, someone knocked on the office door.

"Come in."

A tall, striking figure pushed the door open.

Seeing who it was, Nora's face instantly broke into a bright smile. She naturally stood up to greet him. "What are you doing here?"

"Coming to pick up my wife from work." Hudson seamlessly took her hand.

River's gaze flicked over their intertwined hands. He quickly stood up. "Hello, Mr. Lancaster."

Hudson cast a cold, indifferent glance his way. "You're done for the day. Leave."

"Just give me a second. I have a few more points to finalize with him. It'll just take a minute," Nora said, circling another item on the script.

River lowered his eyes, his dark hair falling forward to shadow his deep gaze. His voice sounded remarkably obedient and a little anxious. "Auntie Nora, how about we go over this tomorrow morning? Mr. Lancaster seems... a bit annoyed with me. Am I making him uncomfortable?"

Hudson frowned, immediately repulsed by the blatant, manipulative innocence radiating from the younger man.

Were all young guys these days such insufferable actors?

Nora looked completely caught off guard. Just as she was about to say, 'You're overthinking it,' Hudson snatched the script right out of her hands and tossed it onto the desk.

"Yes, I am annoyed with you. You can leave now."

Nora was speechless.

River looked stunned, clearly not expecting Hudson to be so brutally blunt. He stood there, staring at Hudson in shock.

Seeing the tension, Nora quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, let's wrap it up here for today. River, head home. I'll run through the rest of the schedule with you tomorrow before we shoot."

"I'll get going, then. See you tomorrow, Auntie Nora."

River turned to leave, but as he opened the door, he nearly bumped into Tiffany Lancaster, who was just about to knock.

River offered her a polite smile and stepped aside.

Tiffany blinked in surprise. Once she spotted Nora and Hudson, she marched right past River.

Fine, whatever.

River hadn't gone far. He stood at the corner of the hallway, watching the three of them step into the elevator.

As the doors began to close, Hudson casually raised a hand to block the sensor, then gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind Nora's ear. The gesture was effortless and deeply intimate.

Tiffany pouted and muttered something under her breath. Hudson shot her a warning glance, and she immediately shrank back, hiding her face behind her scarf.

The elevator doors finally slid shut, the floor numbers ticking downward.

River withdrew his gaze, a slow, mocking smile curling his lips. He let out a cold scoff, all traces of his obedient persona vanishing into thin air...

...

Down in the underground parking garage.

Tiffany dragged Nora toward the back seat of the Maybach. But just as her hand reached for the door handle, someone grabbed her collar and yanked her aside.

"Sit in the front."

"Nora! I want to sit in the back with you!"

Hudson ignored her. He opened the rear door, casually shielding the roof frame with his hand until Nora slipped inside, then walked around to get in on the other side.

Standing outside, Tiffany stared at the closed door, stomped her foot in exasperation, and reluctantly opened the passenger door.

But as she climbed in, her eyes fell on the manila envelope sitting on the seat. "What's this?"