Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 698

As Finnian stormed off, Liana wiped away her fake tears, a smug sense of victory swelling in her chest. Clearly, no one knew Nora was Evangeline yet. The Fairchilds' extravagant reception was simply them bending the knee to Hudson Lancaster's corporate influence.

Just as she was reveling in her triumph, Matriarch Fairchild's cool voice broke her reverie. "Liana, why do you harbor such hostility toward... Mrs. Lancaster?"

Liana flinched. "I... I don't hate her..."

The Matriarch frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Tell me the truth."

Liana's eyes darted nervously. She couldn't exactly confess that she was terrified Nora would steal her place in the hierarchy, or that she knew Nora was the rightful heiress. None of those truths could ever see the light of day.

Watching her stammer and evade, the Matriarch felt a profound sense of disappointment. She had poured decades of love and resources into raising Liana, only for the girl to act like a petty, insecure social climber. It was a stark contrast to Nora, who, despite growing up without their protection, carried herself with grace and undeniable strength.

"Fine. If you refuse to speak honestly, I won't press you," the Matriarch said, her tone heavy with warning. "But remember this, Liana. You carry the Fairchild name. You must conduct yourself with dignity. Do not act recklessly, and show some basic respect for others. Respect is earned, not demanded. Am I understood?"

Liana stared at the older woman's stern face, a sickening knot forming in her stomach. The unconditional indulgence she was used to was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating scrutiny.

Her heart plummeted. Could it be...?

Her mind reeled with panic, but she forced her head down in a posture of complete submission. "Yes, Grandmother. I understand."

The Matriarch waved her off dismissively and allowed a maid to escort her upstairs. Once she was gone, Liana turned desperately to Henry. "Dad..."

"Enough. You were entirely in the wrong today. Listen to your grandmother," Henry scolded softly.

Liana pouted, realizing that with the Fairchilds desperate for Hudson's business cooperation, she couldn't afford to push her luck. "Yes, Dad."

Hudson's eyes darkened. He had never intended to force Nora to reconnect with her estranged family. She was his wife; she belonged to him. Whether or not she claimed the Fairchild name was irrelevant because he could protect her from anything.

But now... how much longer could he protect her?

Dr. Silas Vane's medications were merely delaying the inevitable. The poison was eating him alive. Once it fully compromised his organs, he would be a dead man. He had less than six months left. It was enough time to finalize his empire and secure her future. He had meticulously transferred his assets, equity, real estate, and trust funds into her name. She would never want for anything.

But money couldn't buy a family. His greatest terror was leaving her alone in the world, with no one to rely on. The Fairchilds had appeared at the perfect moment. If they truly loved her, she would have a family to stand by her long after he was in the ground.

His phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket, shattering his morbid thoughts. He glanced at the screen: Finnian.

"Yeah?"