Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 520

That kid had to be out of his mind.

Who exactly was he putting on this innocent, sickeningly sweet act for?

He looked soft and pathetic, like he was trying to seduce him.

What was his problem?

Did kids these days really think women liked men who acted like that?

"His name is Julian. He's new to the cast this season. He's young, so he's probably just a bit overwhelmed by everything."

Hudson didn't respond, but the temperature in his eyes dropped.

"Nora, we're up next!"

Julian jogged over, still clutching the mini-fan, his voice bubbling with forced enthusiasm. "It's our turn..."

Nora murmured something to Hudson before turning to head back to the set.

Julian lingered for a second. "Nora, is that... your friend? He's really handsome..."

"My husband."

Julian's smile shattered for a fraction of a second.

"...Husband?"

He immediately recovered, pasting on a bright smile as he waved playfully at Hudson. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Hudson's expression remained utterly blank. He didn't offer a single word of acknowledgment.

Julian's hand dropped awkwardly, the smile stiffening on his face before he turned and hurried toward the cameras.

A wave of bitter frustration washed over him. This didn't make sense. He had deliberately dressed in a softer, more approachable style today. He was an expert at playing the innocent card. Whether the guy was straight or gay, he shouldn't have been met with such open hostility.

Yet the man had looked at him with absolute indifference, bordering on disgust.

He had miscalculated. Had the man seen through his attempt to play him?

While Julian spiraled in his own thoughts, Hudson gestured to Leo. The younger man immediately trotted over.

"You needed something, Boss?"

"What's the deal with that guy?"

Leo followed his gaze and scoffed. "Julian Vance. He's new. He's trying to ride Nora's coattails by playing the sweet puppy-dog angle. He keeps giving her these longing looks on camera so the PR teams can spin a romance when the episodes air. But don't worry, Boss. I've already got people keeping an eye on him. If he tries to use Nora for clout, I'll have him blacklisted."

Hudson let out a cold scoff but said nothing.

Once Leo ran off to shoot his scene, Hudson signaled for the director.

"Cut that kid, Julian, from the show. I don't like him."

Director Warren rubbed his hands together nervously. "Mr. Lancaster, we've already finished filming his segments for this episode. If we cut him entirely, it might..."

She had been worried sick about Sienna for the past few days. The moment her shoot ended, she rushed over, terrified her friend was spiraling into depression.

But when the door swung open, a woman wearing a gold snakeskin sheet mask poked her head out, startling Nora.

"Nora! What are you doing here? Come in!" Sienna peeled the mask off, revealing a bare but perfectly glowing complexion.

Nora was pulled into the room, utterly bewildered. Her eyes landed on the dining table, which was set with a fresh fruit platter and a glass of expensive wine.

To top it off, there was a single decorative rose in a vase. It looked like Sienna was living her best life.

Nora couldn't help but laugh. She had been so worried Sienna would be devastated.

So much for that.

"Have you seen Finnian?"

"Nope." Sienna shook her head. "Who knows where he ran off to? He hasn't shown his face since he carried Liana out to get blood. Probably too embarrassed to see me..."

"Then are you..."

Before Nora could finish, the doorbell rang.

"My cake is here! I'll get it..." Sienna announced, practically skipping to the door.

But as she pulled it open, the bright smile on her face froze instantly.