Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 132

Nora paused. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"You eat first."

Nora looked at the perfectly sliced steak. Every piece was uniform, the marbling distinct, the edges slightly seared with a tender pink center. One look was enough to tell it was cooked to absolute perfection.

She picked up a piece with her fork and put it in her mouth.

The rich juices exploded over her tongue. The meat was impossibly tender, the seasoning flawlessly balanced—so delicious it made her want to swallow her own tongue.

"So good!" Her eyes lit up.

Seeing the sparkle in her eyes, the curve of Hudson's smile deepened.

When they were mostly finished, the waiter brought over two bowls of warm dessert custard.

The white porcelain bowls held a rich, creamy custard topped with a warm berry compote. It was thick and luscious, wafting a sweet, comforting aroma across the table.

Hudson pushed one of the bowls toward Nora. "Eat this. It'll settle your stomach."

Nora looked at the dessert, mentally calculating her diet plan for the past few days...

"I'm full."

"There's always room for dessert..."

Nora shook her head. "I really can't eat another bite."

Hudson stared at her for a few seconds. Suddenly, he leaned across the table and pressed his palm flat against her stomach, giving it a gentle push.

His hand was large and warm. Through the thin knit of her sweater, that heat seemed to seep directly into her skin, spreading comfortably through her limbs.

"Be good. You have room."

"What... what are you doing?"

"Checking."

Nora was speechless.

Who touches someone's stomach to check if they're full?

Helpless, she picked up her spoon and took a small bite.

It wasn't too hot, the temperature was just right. It melted smoothly on her tongue, sweet but not cloying. The rich flavor bloomed in her mouth, and the warmth slid down her throat, making her whole body relax.

When Ferris Quinn pushed the door open, he coughed twice from the heavy wall of smoke, but forced himself to walk inside.

"Edmond."

Edmond didn't move. A half-burned cigarette hung from his fingers, a long pillar of gray ash clinging precariously to the tip.

"Did you find out?"

Ferris pressed his lips together. "I did, but... the situation is a bit complicated."

Edmond finally reacted.

He raised his heavy eyelids. His eyes were bloodshot, the whites a murky red. A dark shadow of stubble lined his jaw, and he radiated an aura of absolute, crushing defeat.

He took the tablet and glanced at the screen.

Ferris carefully chose his words. "Nora is definitely using the name Jade Reed. Not just at work—all her official identification here in San Francisco is registered under Jade..."

Edmond's fingers tightened, his knuckles turning white.

Ferris paused, taking a deep breath. "Edmond, I suspect... Nora was forced to take Jade's place in the marriage."