From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 172

"Ah!"

Jade let out a sharp, startled cry. She looked up and saw Hudson Walter's face, half-submerged in the shadows, looking dangerously brooding.

"Hudson? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the mansion on your knees!"

She had only risked searching his study because she was certain Bert would keep him occupied all night.

"Were you hoping I wouldn't come back?" Hudson's lips curled into a smirk that looked almost predatory in the dark room.

"Afraid I'd catch you looking for Emma's ashes?"

Jade's heart, which had been hammering against her ribs, finally began to settle. She reached down and pried his hands from her waist.

"You don't have the right to call her name."

In the next heartbeat, Hudson hoisted her up and sat her on the edge of the desk.

She looked down at him as he braced his hands on either side of her, looking up at her.

For a fleeting second, Jade thought she saw a hint of submission in his posture.

A delusion, she thought. It has to be.

A man like Hudson Walter, who was used to ruling everyone around him, would never submit to anyone.

Maybe Amara was the exception, but he would certainly never show such a side to her.

Jade pushed the thought aside. Seeing him standing there like a statue, she tried to slide off the desk.

Hudson immediately blocked her, his body pressing closer.

His voice was low and resonant, carrying a strange, uncharacteristic warmth.

"I told you I'd give them back in a week. I'm a man of my word."

Earlier, he hadn't been sure if Jade still loved him. But after her performance at the gala and his father's interrogation, he was convinced.

Jade still loved him; she was just being more proactive now, using other men to catch his eye.

And she was carrying his child.

Because of that, he was willing to show her a little kindness—to let them return to the way things used to be.

Jade heard the shift in his tone. She didn't understand the reason for the change, but maybe a calm Hudson was a man she could actually talk to.

"Hudson, do you really think this—holding me hostage—is productive? If anything happens to those ashes while they're in your hands, I will hate you for the rest of my life."

"Nothing will happen. I'm taking perfect care of her." Hudson reminded himself to be patient. His voice remained smooth and controlled.

She could endure anything for three days.

The next morning.

Jade walked downstairs to find breakfast already waiting on the table.

Hudson was sitting there with a cup of black coffee. He didn't move as she approached.

"Rosa says your appetite hasn't been great lately. Do you want me to hire a private chef to make whatever you're craving?"

Jade had no idea when Hudson had started caring about such details. She sat across from him and replied flatly.

"I don't need a chef. My appetite is bad because I'm worried about my mother. If you really want to be helpful, just give her back to me."

Their eyes met, and the conversation died instantly.

Hudson's patience was wearing thin, but seeing the ring back on her finger helped him maintain his composure.

He ladled a bowl of chicken congee and set it in front of her.

"You'll get her when the time is right."

Communication was useless. Jade picked up her spoon and began to eat in silence.