Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 654

"...What do you mean?"

"I had someone examine his face. It was a disguise," Liam said, his tone heavy. "During the interrogation, he kept screaming that he wasn't River. I thought he was just playing games, but then we realized he was wearing a prosthetic mask."

Hudson leaned against the railing. The night wind whipped between the high-rises, making the hem of his coat flutter.

"Pulling a vanishing act..." he chuckled softly. "My cousin really is quite resourceful."

Liam remained silent on the other end, seemingly weighing his words. "Mr. Lancaster, what should we do now?"

Hudson didn't answer immediately.

He turned his head, gazing through the glass door at the small figure curled up beneath the blankets. The warm, yellow glow of the bedside lamp cast a soft halo over her face. Her eyelashes were lowered, her breathing steady, as if she were dusted with a thin layer of warmth from the light.

"Do you know the best way to crush a scheme?"

Liam paused. "You mean..."

"The men in San Francisco are yours to command for the next few days."

Hudson's voice wasn't loud, but every word felt coated in ice, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. "I don't want my uncle's family having too peaceful of a week."

Liam understood immediately.

"Understood. I know exactly what to do," his voice darkened, tinged with eager anticipation. "Don't worry, Boss."

Just as Hudson was about to hang up, Liam added, "By the way, we have news on the twins. Hugo Holloway is dead. Harvey Holloway lost an eye. I went through a lot of trouble to save his life, but he's still in a coma. Whether he wakes up is up to fate."

Hudson's brow twitched slightly. "Got it. Keep a close eye on him. Don't let him die."

"Yes, sir."

The call ended.

Hudson instinctively reached into his pocket, only to pull his hand back empty when he remembered he had quit smoking a long time ago.

He looked down at his fingers, a helpless smile touching his lips. He raised his head, gazing out into the heavy darkness of the night.

Suddenly, a wave of regret washed over him.

He regretted dragging her into his muddy, chaotic world.

Growing up in the Lancaster family, he had seen enough deceit and treachery to last a lifetime. To him, it was completely normal.

But his Nora was different.

She had grown up clean and untainted. She had finally broken free from her own nightmare and deserved a peaceful life, yet he had pulled her right back into this vortex.

If he could live long enough to protect her for the rest of her life, it would be fine.

But what if he died?

Hudson closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. The night wind seeped through his collar, sending a chill down his spine. He stood there, unmoving.

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