Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 73

"Don't talk nonsense..." Nora defended Hudson almost instinctively.

Xavier scowled. "I didn't say it, Jade did. She said Hudson had a terminal illness and was desperate for a bride to extend his life. She also said he was violent, ruthless, and had so much blood on his hands he belonged in a horror movie."

Perhaps because of Xavier's ridiculous interruption, her breathing slowly returned to normal.

Nora pressed her lips together. "Those are just rumors. Hudson is a good person."

Xavier's mouth twitched. "Do you even know what they call him out there?"

Nora shook her head.

"The Butcher." Xavier lowered his voice dramatically. "Just whispering his name is enough to make grown men cry."

Nora was speechless.

"I heard he kills without blinking, that he's cold-blooded, vicious, and would turn on his own family..." Xavier began ticking off the atrocities on his fingers, getting more worked up with every word.

Nora couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Where on earth are you hearing this garbage?"

"It's not garbage, it's the truth!" Xavier protested frantically. "Aren't you terrified of him?"

Nora shook her head, her eyes still sparkling with mirth.

"The man you're describing sounds nothing like the guy I know."

In her eyes, Hudson had a mild temper, impeccable manners, and never flaunted his wealth. He was measured in his words and actions, and above all, he was incredibly considerate toward her.

No matter how she looked at it, she was the one coming out ahead in this marriage of convenience.

Seeing her total lack of concern, Xavier rolled his eyes, officially throwing in the towel.

Fine.

She wasn't going to believe a word he said anyway.

"Alright, stop worrying about me. What about you? Have you decided if you want to go to St. Paul's Preparatory? It's not like a normal high school; it's packed with the heirs of San Francisco's elite."

Xavier shrugged dismissively. "I can adapt anywhere."

Nora thought it over for a second. "Okay, let's give it a try. The worst-case scenario is I have to swallow my pride, go back to Hudson, and ask him to pull you out."

Xavier's brows furrowed into a tight knot. "You're that sure he'll help you?"

"Of course." Nora stated it like an absolute fact. "Hudson is so easy to talk to. He'll definitely say yes."

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