Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 97

Finnian set his teacup down and stood up.

He was half a head shorter than Hudson, but his commanding presence was in no way diminished. "Mr. Lancaster. I've heard a lot about you."

The corner of Hudson's mouth curved, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You're too kind, Mr. Fairchild. Have a seat."

The two powerful men sat across from each other.

Grant and Sebastian found seats off to the side, both keeping entirely quiet.

The water on the tea station began to boil. Finnian took the kettle himself and poured Hudson a cup of tea.

The steaming liquid cascaded into the cup, swirling perfectly and filling the air with a rich aroma.

"Your reputation in San Francisco has reached me all the way in Northampton. Meeting you today, I see the rumors were completely justified."

Hudson took a slow sip before speaking in an unhurried tone. "You didn't travel all the way from Northampton to San Francisco just to share a pot of tea with me, did you?"

Finnian smirked slightly. "I appreciate a man who gets straight to the point. I won't waste your time."

He set down his cup, took a file from the middle-aged man standing behind him, and slid it across the table toward Hudson.

"I need your help finding someone."

Hudson glanced down at the folder but didn't reach for it.

"Who?"

"An old friend."

Finnian paused, his eyes falling to the golden amber liquid in his cup. "All I know is that she's in San Francisco. Exactly where, I don't know."

In the background, Grant and Sebastian frowned.

How were they supposed to find someone with zero information?

Finnian seemed to read their minds and said calmly, "I've already investigated. She's been hiding in San Francisco for years, but someone scrubbed her identity and buried her deep."

He looked up, meeting Hudson's dark gaze. "San Francisco is your territory. If anyone can find her here, it's you."

Hudson leaned back in his chair, lazily spinning his teacup, taking his time to answer.

The room sat in silence for a long moment.

"When I find her, what do you want me to do?" Hudson finally asked.

"Just let me know. You'll be heavily compensated."

Grant leaned against the doorframe, watching the numbers tick down on the display, clicking his tongue. "This guy sure loves his theatrics. Coming all the way to San Francisco just to track someone down, bringing a small army with him like he's going to war."

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "He's a Fairchild from Northampton. It'd be weirder if he traveled without an army."

Grant rubbed his chin. "But who is he looking for? Coming all the way out here... you think he's trying to track down an old flame?"

Hudson ignored them, stepping out of the suite. He spotted Nora waiting further down the hall.

"Did I keep you waiting?" He walked up and took her hand.

Nora shook her head, instinctively glancing toward the elevators.

"Who were those men? They looked intense."

"Just some people from Northampton. Business."

"Oh," Nora nodded, not pressing the issue.

She always knew her boundaries; she never asked questions she had no business asking.

Hudson looked down at her, his eyes slowly tracing the lines of her face.

She had touched up her makeup. Her lips were back to a soft peach color, completely hiding the fact that she had been thoroughly kissed just moments ago.