Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 208

Beatrice set her cup down, her frown deepening.

"Does Hudson know?"

The aide nodded. "Hudson is already at the hospital. His wife is with him."

Beatrice sighed heavily. "That poor boy. We just hosted their wedding, and now this tragedy strikes. Jade must be beside herself with worry. That's her own flesh and blood..."

Lawrence set aside his tea and rose gracefully, smoothing the lapels of his jacket.

"Mother, since they are family, I should head to the hospital on your behalf. I'll assess the situation and offer our condolences to show the family's support."

Beatrice waved a dismissive hand. "We'll go together."

Lawrence looked at her in genuine surprise. "Mother, at your age, an emergency room is far too chaotic..."

"I'm old, not made of glass."

Beatrice pushed herself to her feet. Lawrence immediately stepped forward to support her arm.

"Hudson is notoriously stubborn. If things go south, he certainly won't give you the full truth. It's best I go to anchor the situation."

Lawrence smiled and inclined his head. "You're right, Mother. Let's go together."

He stepped aside to let Beatrice pass, trailing half a pace behind her in a display of total submission.

Beatrice set a steady, regal pace, her silver hair gleaming in the sunlight and her spine rigidly straight.

Lawrence kept his eyes respectfully cast downward, but a sinister smirk crept onto his lips.

His smile looked perfectly benign to any observer.

But deep in his eyes, a flicker of ruthless calculation flashed, too fast for anyone to catch.

...

Back at the hospital, Jade couldn't risk bumping into Hudson outside the operating room, so she slinked down to the first-floor lobby to wait it out.

"I didn't order a coffee. You must have the wrong person."

The delivery guy rushed over, too rushed to argue. He shoved the iced drink into her hands.

"Here's your order. Just take it, I have three more drops to make."

Jade sat there, utterly bewildered, clutching the frosted plastic cup.

Who on earth had ordered her a coffee?

Was it Penelope?

At that exact moment, Beatrice stepped out of the lobby elevator, catching the entire exchange.

Her brow pinched in sharp confusion, her gaze lingering intently on Jade's face.

Beside her, Lawrence flashed an amused smile. "Must just be a coincidence. For a second, I thought the driver was shouting for Hudson's wife..."