From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 162

A sweet fragrance brushed past him, filling his senses.

In an instant, she stepped back, leaving only a lingering scent on the air.

His scalp still tingled where her soft fingertips had touched him. Julian felt his blood beginning to race, a faint blush creeping onto his ears.

This was the first time Jade had ever initiated such closeness.

Jade didn't notice his internal turmoil.

"I've seen enough. We should head back."

"Right."

Julian followed her, his steps slightly clumsy and out of sync.

Jade didn't take the flowers home; she left them in a vase at the studio.

They were beautiful, but this was the only way she could keep them safe.

-

Jade returned to Grandview Estate, stepping into a brilliantly lit house.

It was obvious Hudson was home and waiting.

Rosa rushed over the second she saw Jade walk through the door.

"Ma'am, why are you so late?" Rosa whispered urgently. The Master has been waiting for hours. His mood is terrible. Just talk to him nicely. He won't be hard on you while you're pregnant."

"I know."

Jade walked to the dining table and saw a spread of her favorite dishes.

She gave the food a single, dismissive glance before looking away.

"I already ate at the studio. Help yourself."

Hudson's face twitched. He gripped his forks until his knuckles turned white, then slammed them down. He stood up abruptly and stormed over to her side.

"I heard you were out looking at the stars with Julian Foster. Is that true?"

Jade met his gaze with total indifference.

"Yeah, it is. What of it?"

Hudson let out a sharp, bitter laugh.

"You're certainly honest about it."

Jade's lips curled into a cold, mocking smirk.

"Whether I tell the truth or lie, you'll find a way to insult me. What's the difference?"

Hudson stared at her, his eyes darkening.

"Insult you?"

Jade looked back at him with icy eyes.

"Isn't that why you forced me back here? To humiliate me?"

Hudson's face fell, his expression turning grim.

"Is that really what you think of me?"

He looked around the room, at the furniture he had painstakingly restored to match their old home.

The pink diamond in his pocket felt like a shard of glass against his skin.

He was wound tight as a coiled spring, and finally, he snapped.

Crash!

He kicked a chair, sending it flying across the floor.

Jade went pale, biting her lip as she stared him down.

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