Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 476

Olive rolled up her sleeves and took charge, flipping the skewers and tossing on spices with the fluid motion of a seasoned grill master.

Nora smiled warmly as she watched everyone bustling about. She wanted to pitch in and help, but Hudson kept her firmly seated by his side, refusing to let her lift a finger.

Fortunately, a massive spread of freshly grilled skewers was piled up right in front of her.

It looked incredibly appetizing.

"Archer, don't overcook that lamb! It's better when it's tender!"

Olive had already devoured over a dozen skewers on her own. As she shoved another bite into her stuffed cheeks, a smudge of chili powder decorating the corner of her mouth, she mumbled at Archer, "Hurry, hurry! Turn up the heat!"

Archer furiously fanned the charcoal grill, sending bright sparks crackling into the evening air.

The backyard was alive with a warm, lively energy.

Amid the chaos, a familiar, amused voice drifted from the courtyard entrance. "You're all certainly enjoying yourselves. Having a feast without inviting me?"

Everyone turned to see Dr. Harrison strolling through the gate, looking as though he had rushed over straight from the clinic.

Olive's eyes lit up. She waved him over enthusiastically. "Liam! Come here, come here! We just finished a fresh batch, still piping hot!"

Liam didn't stand on ceremony, grabbing a skewer and taking a bite.

Seeing Liam fit in so seamlessly with their inner circle brought a genuine smile to Nora's face.

The barbecue stretched late into the afternoon until the wooden skewers were piled as high as a small mountain and the charcoal fire slowly died down.

Olive slumped back in her chair, patting her stuffed stomach, while Archer and Arthur began clearing the mess.

Liam set down his glass. Catching a quiet moment amid the cleanup, his gaze subtly shifted toward Hudson. He tipped his head slightly, gesturing toward a secluded corner of the backyard.

Getting the hint, Hudson set his drink aside and stood up. "I'm going to grab a smoke."

"Hudson, your condition... At this rate, you have three months left, tops."

Hudson didn't reply. He lowered his gaze to the wrist Liam had just examined, a faint, unreadable curve forming on his lips.

Liam looked entirely agonized. "Hudson, if we start systematic treatment now, we can at least slow the toxin's spread. It could buy you another six months to a year. You really can't delay this any longer. I..."

Before he could finish, Hudson shot him a cool, indifferent look. "How exactly do you plan to treat me?"

Liam blurted out, "A full-body detox, using a combined regimen of holistic and modern therapies. It would take at least two to three months of..."

"I can't be hospitalized."

"Hudson!"

Hudson gave him a sharp side-eye. "What do you think will happen to my family's empire if word gets out that I'm confined to a hospital bed right now?"