From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 189

"You're the only person who can get close to Amara without raising suspicion. I want you to be my eyes. In return, Julian and I will put enough pressure on Hudson's business to force him to sign the divorce papers."

Jade's eyes widened as she took it all in.

First, the reveal that Lyndon was the father of Amara's child.

Now, the possibility that they were responsible for Ronald's death...

The revelations were hitting her like hammer blows. She didn't even know what expression to make.

If this was true, and Hudson ever found out...

She wondered how he would feel about the woman he'd protected so fiercely.

Jade looked at Silas, her curiosity piqued.

"You seem very certain, Mr. Faith. You must have a lot of leads, but you're missing the smoking gun. If that's the case, why not just go to Hudson? He'd want justice for his best friend, wouldn't he?"

"Hudson Walter?"

Silas's lip curled. Even with his stoic expression, Jade could see the pure mockery in his eyes.

"I had Jeff Mond drop a few hints. He refused to believe it and chose to protect Amara instead. I'm not going to waste my time with a man who can't tell a friend from a snake."

He looked Jade directly in the eye, his dark gaze like a still, bottomless pond.

"As for you, Ms. Merchant... after everything you've been through, I don't believe for a second that you don't want Amara Hoyt ruined and your marriage over. We have the same enemies. A partnership based on mutual benefit is the only one I trust."

Jade was taken aback by his bluntness, but he was right.

Common goals and common enemies made for the strongest alliances.

She only needed a second to decide.

"Mr. Faith, I'll do everything I can. I expect you to do the same."

Silas stood up, his severe expression finally softening by a fraction.

"In my world, my word is my bond. I don't break promises."

He pulled a business card from his jacket.

"This is my private number. If you have questions or leads, call me directly."

Jade took the card solemnly.

"I will."

Silas left as quickly as he'd arrived.

Julian looked at the soup spilled on the floor.

"I'll have someone bring you some fresh broth."

Silas had handled the business; there was nothing more for Julian to say.

Jade looked up at him.

"Can you take me back to the city? I have something very important to do."

Rugged? Attentive?

They were talking about Julian.

Hudson's face went dark.

His hands clenched into fists at his sides.

He stepped toward the station, his voice cold as he corrected them.

"That 'Ms. Merchant' is my wife. She has nothing to do with Julian Foster."

One nurse, lost in the gossip, didn't even look up.

"Nothing to do with him? Then why was he the one taking care of her while you were nowhere to be found?"

The other nurses turned and stared at Hudson, realizing who he was.

"Oh... so you're the one? The 'ex-husband' who let his mistress's kid call him Daddy and wouldn't even recognize his own child?"

"Wait, that's him? No wonder she wanted the termination!"

"Poor girl. Talk about bad luck in men."

They spoke with the blunt, brutal honesty of outsiders who had no reason to fear him.

Hudson wanted to argue, but he realized there was no point in explaining his life to strangers.