Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 663

Lawrence let out a soft chuckle, his gaze shifting to River, who sat nearby. "Arthur kept this quiet. I had no idea he was hiding such an outstanding son. If Hudson hadn't dug up the truth, I’d probably still be in the dark."

Arthur II offered a dry laugh. "You're joking, Lawrence. River has been abroad this whole time. There simply wasn't a good opportunity to introduce him." He turned to River. "River, say hello to Lawrence."

River sat up slightly straighter. Though his shoulder wound made his movements sluggish, he gave a polite nod. "Lawrence."

Lawrence’s eyes narrowed into a benevolent smile. "It seems you took quite a hit this time, River."

River’s Adam's apple bobbed. He lowered his eyes, his voice flat. "I underestimated my opponent."

Lawrence waved a hand dismissively, his tone gentle. "You can't blame yourself. Hudson is far better at dragging people into his rhythm than you’d think. If you follow his pace, he'll naturally have you right where he wants you."

River raised a brow, unable to read Lawrence's true intentions, and stayed silent.

The smile on Lawrence's face deepened. "Since this is our first time meeting, I should give you a welcome gift."

"There's no need for that," River replied cautiously.

Lawrence looked at him, his smile unwavering. "Don't you want Nora Reed? I'll get her for you."

The hospital room went dead silent.

Arthur II stared at Lawrence in shock, trying to determine if he was bluffing. Everyone knew Hudson protected Nora fiercely. With top-tier fighters like Arthur, Archer, and Olive by her side, plus countless shadow guards lurking out of sight, snatching her from under his nose was harder than reaching the sky.

River’s brow twitched imperceptibly before he let out a light laugh. "You must be joking."

"It seems you don't believe me," Lawrence smiled warmly. "Just wait and see. You'll get your girl."

River stared at him for a moment before a broad smile spread across his face. "Then I'll thank you in advance."

Satisfied, Lawrence stood up and smoothed out his coat. "Alright, get some rest. I won't disturb you any longer."

"Take care."

The door clicked shut, and Lawrence's footsteps faded down the hall. The room fell quiet again.

Olive, on the other hand, loved the blinding display and was busy barking orders at Archer. "Left! More to the left! A little higher! Why are your hands shaking? You're hanging lights, not defusing a bomb!"

Balancing on the ladder, Archer hooked the string under the eaves and shot back, "Stop shouting and come try it yourself, Olive! This ladder is wobbly. Do I look like a circus acrobat to you?"

"Coward! Watch and learn!" Olive scoffed, tossing her own string of lights aside and marching toward the ladder.

Archer frantically waved her off. "No, no, no! I got it! If you get up here, this thing will definitely collapse!"

"Could you be any more of a coward? Be a man!"

Archer didn't take offense. His eyes crinkled in a bright smile. "Of course I am! But I'll never be as manly as you, Olive."

"Glad you know it!"

Standing in the yard, Nora listened to their bickering, a warm smile touching her lips. Once the lights were up, Olive ran over to claim credit. "Mrs. Lancaster! Look! Beautiful, right? Archer says we're going to string another line on New Year's Eve, all the way from the front gate to the backyard. The whole estate is going to glow!"