Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 654

"...What do you mean?"

"I had someone examine his face. It was a disguise," Liam said, his tone heavy. "During the interrogation, he kept screaming that he wasn't River. I thought he was just playing games, but then we realized he was wearing a prosthetic mask."

Hudson leaned against the railing. The night wind whipped between the high-rises, making the hem of his coat flutter.

"Pulling a vanishing act..." he chuckled softly. "My cousin really is quite resourceful."

Liam remained silent on the other end, seemingly weighing his words. "Mr. Lancaster, what should we do now?"

Hudson didn't answer immediately.

He turned his head, gazing through the glass door at the small figure curled up beneath the blankets. The warm, yellow glow of the bedside lamp cast a soft halo over her face. Her eyelashes were lowered, her breathing steady, as if she were dusted with a thin layer of warmth from the light.

"Do you know the best way to crush a scheme?"

Liam paused. "You mean..."

"The men in San Francisco are yours to command for the next few days."

Hudson's voice wasn't loud, but every word felt coated in ice, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. "I don't want my uncle's family having too peaceful of a week."

Liam understood immediately.

"Understood. I know exactly what to do," his voice darkened, tinged with eager anticipation. "Don't worry, Boss."

Just as Hudson was about to hang up, Liam added, "By the way, we have news on the twins. Hugo Holloway is dead. Harvey Holloway lost an eye. I went through a lot of trouble to save his life, but he's still in a coma. Whether he wakes up is up to fate."

Hudson's brow twitched slightly. "Got it. Keep a close eye on him. Don't let him die."

"Yes, sir."

The call ended.

Hudson instinctively reached into his pocket, only to pull his hand back empty when he remembered he had quit smoking a long time ago.

He looked down at his fingers, a helpless smile touching his lips. He raised his head, gazing out into the heavy darkness of the night.

Suddenly, a wave of regret washed over him.

He regretted dragging her into his muddy, chaotic world.

Growing up in the Lancaster family, he had seen enough deceit and treachery to last a lifetime. To him, it was completely normal.

But his Nora was different.

She had grown up clean and untainted. She had finally broken free from her own nightmare and deserved a peaceful life, yet he had pulled her right back into this vortex.

If he could live long enough to protect her for the rest of her life, it would be fine.

But what if he died?

Hudson closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. The night wind seeped through his collar, sending a chill down his spine. He stood there, unmoving.

...

The following day, a lunch gathering was held at an old, exclusive private restaurant in Northampton.

By the time Nora arrived, arm in arm with Hudson, the room was already filled with people.

Professor Douglas Campbell sat at the head of the table, sipping tea and chatting with the person next to him. Seeing them walk in, he smiled and set down his cup. "You made it! Come, sit down."

Hudson led Nora over, greeting several of his former colleagues and peers along the way.

Nora stood beside him, offering polite, sweet smiles. Several of the women took her hands, showering her with praise. "Oh my, is this your wife? She's gorgeous! Hudson, you lucky man!"

"No wonder he never used to come out for dinner with us. He was hiding this beauty at home!"

Nora blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention.

Hudson sat beside her, making no effort to rescue her. He just leaned back in his chair and smiled, occasionally leaning in to refill her tea or serve her food, thoroughly enjoying the scene.

As the meal progressed, the conversation somehow drifted toward Jude Winslow.

It was unavoidable. Aside from Professor Campbell, everyone in the room was part of a couple. Jude was the only one flying solo.

"Jude, didn't they find your fiancée? Why didn't you bring her along for us to meet?" asked one of Hudson's former colleagues, who was clearly well-connected in Northampton.

At those words, all eyes in the room turned toward Jude.