Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 541

Olive noticed the danger instantly and lunged toward the table.

Before she could close the distance, Arnold jammed the gun hard into Nora's lower back.

"Don't move!"

Olive stopped dead in her tracks. Seeing the weapon, she didn't dare act recklessly. She could only glare at him with burning hatred.

Nora sat frozen in her chair, her body wound tight as a coiled spring.

Cold sweat broke out across her back, soaking through her blouse. Her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might burst from her chest.

She knew this feeling all too well.

Digging her fingernails into her palms, she used the sharp sting of pain to force her scattering focus back into place.

She couldn't panic.

Her anxiety attacks were a thing of the past.

She absolutely refused to break down in front of this monster...

If she did, she would never forgive herself!

Across the table, Penelope watched the color drain from Nora's face, feeling a twisted sense of satisfaction. This was what she deserved for refusing to help, for letting her be cast out with nothing!

This was her punishment!

Penelope wanted to watch her suffer, wanted to see if she could still act so high and mighty!

As Penelope reveled in her malice, Arnold leaned closer. His face was practically pressed against Nora's ear. "Daddy's girl, you have no idea how much I've missed you all these years. You're coming with me, and we're going to catch up!"

Nora's eyelashes fluttered, but her expression remained completely devoid of emotion.

Unable to hold back, Olive cursed him. "You filthy piece of trash! Get away from her!"

Penelope cast a nervous glance at the furious bodyguard and urged, "We need to get her out of here. If Hudson's men show up, we're all dead."

Arnold scoffed. "You might be scared of him, but I'm not. He's been sleeping with my daughter for free. When he sees his Father-in-law, he'd better get on his knees and call me 'Dad'."

A dark, mocking chuckle echoed from right behind him.

Arnold whipped his head around. In his haste, the gun dug painfully into Nora's side. She winced but didn't make a sound.

Hudson Lancaster was standing right there.

"What did you just say?" Hudson took a slow, deliberate step forward. His gaze bypassed Arnold entirely, landing on Nora to ensure she was unhurt before shifting back.

Olive kicked the weapon far out of reach, grabbed his other wrist, and twisted it savagely in the opposite direction.

Another sickening crack echoed through the room.

Both of Arnold's arms hung limply at his sides. He collapsed like a puppet with cut strings.

Olive took a step back, dusting off her hands as if she had just touched something disgusting.

The chaos rippled through the restaurant.

Diners craned their necks to see what was happening, their attention captured by the sickening sound of breaking bone and Arnold's screams. The entire room fell silent.

A few people even pulled out their phones to record.

By then, Arthur had already moved to the counter, speaking quietly to the owner.

Dominic Rossi, a wiry man in his forties, looked stunned at first. His expression quickly shifted to pure elation, and he nodded repeatedly.

He stepped out from behind the counter, clapping his hands loudly to address the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption! We have a private buyout for the rest of the evening. Your meals are completely covered tonight! Please finish up and have a wonderful evening. Come back another time, and I'll personally offer you a discount!"

The crowd dispersed rapidly. Within three minutes, the dining room was practically empty.

Dominic stood respectfully beside Arthur, his posture subservient and a wide, eager smile plastered on his face. He kept his mouth shut, knowing exactly when to play the silent host.