Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 519

Leo didn't mind her scolding. He chuckled, took a half-step back, and made a playful zipping motion across his lips.

Nora shook her head, fighting a smile. He was spending way too much time with Grant Hamilton.

The street scene was straightforward. The trio had to complete a few interactive tasks while the cameras captured natural, candid moments for the show's behind-the-scenes footage.

Nora walked to her mark and looked down at her script, mentally mapping out her movements. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone inching closer.

"Nora."

Julian Vance had materialized beside her, a perfectly crafted, innocent smile on his boyish face. "We have a task together in a minute. I'm a little nervous. I don't want to drag you down."

Nora glanced up at him. "You'll be fine. Just stick to the script. No need to stress."

"Okay!" Julian nodded enthusiastically, his eyes bright and eager like a puppy begging for a treat. "With you here, I'm not scared at all."

Standing nearby, Leo flipped his script loudly, rolling his eyes so hard he nearly saw his own brain.

Nora didn't engage further, dropping her gaze back to the pages in her hands.

Julian didn't seem deterred. He stood quietly beside her, occasionally stealing glances with those wide, innocent eyes, a faint, shy smile playing on his lips. He was playing the part of a sweet, younger boy nursing a secret crush to absolute perfection.

"Alright, positions everyone!" Director Warren shouted through his megaphone. "Scene one, action!"

The shoot went smoothly. Julian's acting skills were mediocre, but he followed directions perfectly. He threw in a few well-timed looks of nervous dependency, nailing the 'naive newcomer' persona the producers loved.

During a break, Nora sat on a folding chair by the curb to grab some water. Julian immediately drifted over, holding a portable mini-fan and aiming it at her face.

"Are you hot, Nora?"

"I'm fine. Use it yourself."

"It's okay, I don't mind the heat." Julian smiled, taking a subtle half-step closer so the breeze brushed against her cheek. "Your skin is too perfect. We can't let you get sunburned."

Leo paused as he walked by, glaring down at the younger man.

Julian pretended not to notice, remaining entirely focused on holding the fan.

Leo narrowed his eyes, dropping his voice to a low warning. "Stay the hell away from her."

Julian looked up, the picture of innocence. "Leo, I'm just helping Nora cool down..."

"Does she look like she needs your help?"

Nora glanced at the crowd of fans armed with telephoto lenses nearby. Terrified that Leo's explosive temper would cause a scene, she quickly intervened. "Leo, go check if the props for the next scene are ready."

Leo ground his teeth but held his tongue. He turned and stormed off.

Julian lowered his eyes, the innocent smile instantly vanishing from his lips.

He lowered his gaze, carefully hiding the calculating look in his eyes.

As they broke for intermission, Hudson stepped out of the car and strode directly toward Nora.

"What are you doing here?" Nora's eyes crinkled with a genuine smile.

"Figured you were almost done. Came to pick you up."

The crew members whispered among themselves, a few recognizing Hudson immediately.

Hudson paid them no mind, but his sharp gaze locked onto a young man in his twenties staring in their direction.

The look wasn't openly hostile; it was cloaked in a measured mix of hesitation and curiosity.

But Hudson was no fool. He saw straight through the innocent facade to the rotten core underneath.

He coolly withdrew his gaze and looked down at Nora, his tone casual. "That kid over there keeps staring at you."

Nora followed his line of sight and locked eyes with Julian.

Caught off guard, Julian froze for a second before hastily dropping his head, his ears turning red. He looked exactly like a shy boy caught staring at his crush.

Hudson suppressed a sneer. The suffocating stench of manipulation was enough to make him sick.