Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 448

Jude stared for a long time—so long, in fact, that a senior colleague sitting next to him had to wave a hand in front of his face to snap him out of it.

"What are you staring at?" The senior leaned in, following Jude's line of sight before giving him a knowing nudge. "Jude, don't tell me you've got your eye on that girl?"

Jude withdrew his gaze, his expression returning to a placid neutral. "I don't."

"Right, and that's why your eyes were practically glued to her?" The senior raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. Jude was notoriously disciplined and strictly adhered to boundaries. The fact that he had let his mask slip, even for a second, proved something was up.

"If you like her, just go ask her out. She's single, you're single. Besides, with your resume and looks, you wouldn't even have to try. She'd probably throw herself at you."

Jude didn't respond. He lowered his eyes, staring at his hands resting on his lap. "How could I..." he murmured softly, a mix of resignation and quiet sorrow in his voice.

"What was that?"

The senior hadn't heard him clearly, but Jude kept his mouth shut.

...

Meanwhile, Nora, still clutching the microphone, was locked in a delightful verbal sparring match with Hudson. She asked about funding applications, and he responded with the utmost seriousness, walking her through every bureaucratic step. When she pressed for specific project requirements, he gave an answer so ridiculously detailed it sounded like he was reading an internal corporate manifesto just for her.

They were putting on a flawless display of 'professionalism' in front of three hundred people, yet neither could hide the brilliant smiles tugging at their lips.

The students around them were already whispering frantically.

"Who is she? Does she know Mr. Lancaster?"

"Know him? Did you see the way he's looking at her? He looks like he wants to devour her."

"Ugh, what's the big deal? She's just pretty."

"Just pretty? I'd like to see you pull off looking that gorgeous."

Sitting in the front row, Jude listened to the hushed gossip swirling behind him. He closed his eyes tightly, then abruptly stood up and walked toward the back exit.

His senior colleague blinked in surprise. "Jude? Where are you going?"

"Back to the hotel."

"Wait, aren't you busy?"

"I suddenly have much more urgent business to attend to."

Nora let him drag her down the hallway. As they pushed through the main doors of the Research Institute, the afternoon sun spilled over them, wrapping them in a comforting warmth.

Hudson's sleek SUV was parked at the end of the alleyway. Arthur was already waiting in the driver's seat. Hudson pulled open the rear door, ushering Nora inside before sliding in right behind her.

With a solid click, the door shut.

Sensing the immediate shift in the atmosphere, Arthur tactfully pressed a button, raising the soundproof partition between the front and back seats.

"Wait, you— mm..."