Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 288

The two women hurried out of Cloudwater Estate. The car peeled out of the gates, with Olive driving aggressively, weaving fiercely through the morning rush-hour traffic.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Nora felt a wave of intense motion sickness from the erratic swerving.

By the time they finally reached the Reed Residence, Nora threw the door open the second the car rolled to a halt.

But the moment she pushed open the courtyard gate, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Xavier was standing right in the middle of the yard, gripping a badminton racket. He was covered in sweat and grinning from ear to ear, looking completely healthy.

Marcus stood opposite him, dressed in matching athletic gear. He was bending down to pick up a shuttlecock when he noticed Nora. He paused, then smiled. "You're back, Nora?"

"Nora?" Xavier's eyes lit up. He tossed the racket aside and jogged over. "What are you doing here?"

Standing at the entrance, Nora stared at the two of them. The frantic anxiety that had gripped her chest rapidly cooled into a chilling, absurd sense of betrayal.

She looked past them, locking eyes with Penelope on the porch.

Penelope wore an elegant, emerald-green silk dress, her hair perfectly styled and her makeup flawless. She held a cup of tea, taking a slow, leisurely sip.

Seeing the expression on Nora's face, Penelope set her teacup down deliberately, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"So, you finally decided to show up? I thought we couldn't afford the pleasure of your company anymore."

Nora stood in the sunlight, yet she felt a bone-deep coldness seeping into her skin.

"Nothing happened to Xavier?"

Penelope scoffed. "What could possibly happen to him? He eats well, sleeps well, and is perfectly full of life."

"Mom, you lied to me?"

"If I didn't lie, would you have even come back?"

"Carsick?" Penelope's gaze swept over her, a frown pulling at her brows. "I think you're just putting on airs, aren't you?"

Xavier couldn't listen anymore. "Mom, what are you saying? She finally came to visit, and you can't even say a single nice thing?"

"When the adults are talking, the children can keep quiet," Penelope snapped at him.

Xavier wanted to argue, but Marcus held him back. "Enough, enough. Let's just eat."

In the dining room, the staff had already set the table.

Nora took a seat. Right in front of her was a steaming plate of sea bass.

The fish was fresh from the kitchen, covered in shredded ginger and scallions, sizzling with hot oil and releasing a rich, savory aroma.

The moment that smell hit Nora's nose, a violent wave of nausea surged up her throat...