Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 193

Penelope's smile stiffened. "Hudson, I didn't mean it like that. I just felt..."

"Since my mother-in-law is so fond of toasting."

Hudson cut her off, his tone still flat. "Then you can do it on her behalf. How does that sound?"

Penelope froze.

"Just as you said moments ago—toast at every table, down the shot in one go. Don't take sips, or you'll make a joke of yourself."

He paused, his gaze dropping to the lingering red marks on Nora's wrist.

"Everything exactly according to the etiquette you preach. Deal?"

Penelope's face instantly went ashen.

Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but meeting Hudson's pitch-black eyes, the words died in her throat.

She immediately forced a smile that looked worse than crying. "Alright... I'll do it. I'll go toast right now."

The lounge door clicked shut behind her, cutting off the noise from the hall.

Nora instinctively tried to go after her, but Hudson looped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her back.

"What are you doing?"

Hudson looked down at Nora's wrist. The redness had mostly faded, leaving only a faint outline.

"Does it hurt?"

Nora shook her head, looking up at him. His reflection was captured in her wide eyes.

"My mom is just like that... With you terrifying her like this, she probably won't be able to sleep tonight."

Hudson chuckled softly, his thumb gently caressing her wrist. "Good. If she can't sleep, drinking a few more glasses will fix that."

Nora was caught off guard, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

This man...

He really held a grudge.

...

During the second half of the reception, Penelope carried a glass and toasted at every single table.

Her alcohol tolerance was strictly average; usually, she only had a glass or two of wine during the holidays.

How could she just stand there and watch her make a fool of herself without saying a single word in her defense?

What a completely ungrateful brat!

Raising her had been a total waste!

...

By the time the reception ended, it was already afternoon.

Guests were leaving the Peninsula Hotel in small groups.

Grant had drank quite a bit. He was practically draped over Sebastian, his eyes half-closed and his cheeks flushed. "Mr. Lancaster, are you taking Nora home for the wedding night? Every second is worth its weight in gold! Take it easy, don't break her..."

Hudson ignored him, opening the back door of the Maybach and getting in with Nora.

"Every second counts, Mr. Lancaster!"

Grant was still shouting at the top of his lungs outside. "Don't let this beautiful night go to waste!"

Sebastian grabbed him by the back of his collar and dragged him away. "Alright, that's enough howling. Aren't you embarrassed?"

"You don't know shit! I'm giving them my beautiful blessings!"