From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 181

"Once our child is born, I'll double my efforts to—"

Smack!

Jade swatted his hand away with a sharp crack, looking as if she'd been touched by a lethal virus. She frantically rubbed the spot where he'd made contact.

"I am begging you, stop being so repulsive!"

Hudson's hand was a bright, stinging red. His expression shifted from tender to a dark, brooding gloom.

"Jade, is this really how it has to be?"

Jade took a deep breath, refusing to be drawn into another argument. Instead, she issued a final reminder.

"You said as long as I stayed for a week, you'd return my mother. Tomorrow is the last day. I expect you to hand over the urn in perfect condition."

Hudson felt a prickle of unease at her unwavering tone.

She sounded so resolute, as if she had already made a massive decision he knew nothing about.

But the thought only lasted a second. His gaze fell on the pink diamond on her finger, and his heart settled.

Jade was a woman who valued symbols. As long as she wore that ring, he believed she still held onto hope for their marriage.

"Don't worry. I'm a man of my word."

Having secured his answer, Jade turned and walked away. She headed straight upstairs and locked her bedroom door, not even sparing him a backward glance.

Hudson stood at the front door, staring at the closed wood. He didn't follow her.

It was only natural she was upset after seeing him with Amara twice today.

Pushing her now would only lead to a louder fight. It was better to let her cool off alone.

-

Inside her own villa, Amara Hoyt thought back to the muffled words she'd overheard from a distance.

She hadn't caught it all, but she'd heard "tomorrow" and "the urn".

That meant tomorrow would be her best—and perhaps only—chance to get close to that jar.

She had to seize it.

Amara walked into her room and dialed Hudson's number.

"Hudson, it's the weekend. Are you staying home, or heading to the office for that project?"

Hudson answered without a second thought.

"I'll be home."

So the urn is in the villa. Amara's lips curled into a predatory smirk.

"What's up?" Hudson asked.

"Deal!" Chloe chirped instantly.

—

The next morning, Jade rose early, waiting for the moment Hudson would return her mother.

Just as she was heading downstairs, she got a call from Edward. His hand was acting up, and a client's manuscript needed a final touch-up today. Most of the work was done; he just needed her to finish the edges.

Jade reached the first floor and saw Hudson's bedroom door was still closed. He was clearly still asleep, so she agreed to help Anthony.

The work was simple and shouldn't take more than an hour. She would finish at the studio and be back before Hudson even realized she was gone.

By nine o'clock, Hudson finally woke up. He walked into the dining area and frowned when he didn't see Jade. He turned to Rosa, who was setting the table.

"Where is Jade?"

"Ma'am had an emergency at the studio," Rosa replied. "She said she'd be back soon."

Hudson nodded and took a sip of his coffee. At that moment, Amara and Cortney walked through the front door.

His brow furrowed again.

"Amara, I thought I said—"

Amara cut him off before he could finish.