Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 222

A substitute bride.

The concept pierced her chest like two rusty needles, making it impossible to sit still.

She remembered the meticulous astrological readings. The fortune teller had been incredibly clear—the eldest Reed daughter was the perfect match for Hudson. She was destined to bring him immense luck and ward off disaster.

Beatrice had handpicked Jade for that exact reason.

And the result?

The woman who actually married into the family was a complete stranger.

Was this woman's horoscope compatible with Hudson's? Would she bring him luck? Would she shield him from harm?

Beatrice had no idea.

What if this imposter's fate clashed with Hudson's?

What if she brought him ruin?

What if... instead of saving him, this superstitious match ended up killing him?

It felt as though an invisible hand were crushing Beatrice's heart, leaving her gasping for air.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing the surging rage back down.

When her third son had put on that little show a few days ago, she knew he was up to no good.

At the time, she had wondered why he was suddenly so invested in the Reed family's affairs—offering help, sending regards, acting overly attentive.

So this was his endgame.

Beatrice's frown deepened.

Her third son was a deeply calculating man; he never did anything without a motive.

He hadn't exposed the bride swap just to see her angry.

He definitely had a backup plan.

Opening her eyes, Beatrice stared at the photos on the coffee table, her gaze dark and brooding.

She picked up a picture of Nora, staring at it for a few seconds before flipping it over. Written in small print on the back was a single line of text—

Eleanor Vance, 23 years old, from Northampton. Mother: Penelope Reed. Father: Arnold Vance, sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the rape of a minor.

Beatrice's fingers violently tightened. The edge of the photograph bit into her palm, stinging sharply.

If she suddenly declared the bride a fake, the Lancasters would become the laughingstock of the city.

That was probably what those despicable Reeds had banked on.

They knew she wouldn't dare explode for the sake of the Lancaster pride.

It was absolutely infuriating!

Beatrice's eyes snapped open, locking onto the row of photos once more.

She couldn't touch the Reeds.

But the imposter who had sneaked into her home? Could she really not touch her?

A rapist's daughter had no right to step foot into the Lancaster household.

Beatrice gathered the photos one by one, stacked them neatly, and dropped them into the trash can.

Her face remained expressionless, almost serene, but something in her eyes grew colder and colder by the second...

There was no rush. She could bide her time.

The day would come when she would force that imposter out of Hudson's life for good.