From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 276

"Sorry I bumped into you. Are you alright?" Bastian reached out to touch her reddened nose.

Jade dodged his hand, gently pushing him back before turning to the fridge for ingredients.

"I only have tomatoes and eggs. I can make some simple ramen. Do you want some?"

Bastian didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Jade efficiently whisked the eggs and chopped the tomatoes. Bastian didn't return to the sofa; he leaned against the kitchen frame, watching her.

As Jade put the pasta into the boiling water, she felt his heavy gaze and shifted uncomfortably. She turned back, ready to tell him to wait elsewhere, but Bastian spoke first.

"After we eat, I want to talk to you about Joshua Boswell—your biological father."

Jade swallowed her dismissal and turned back to stir the ramen.

"Okay."

—

When Amara returned to the villa at Grandview Estate, the house was deathly quiet.

She pushed the door open and called out for her daughter.

"Cortney? Cortney?"

Suddenly, a cold, masculine voice cut through the dark.

"Where have you been?"

The unexpected sound made Amara let out a sharp, terrified shriek.

"Aah!"

Her legs gave out, and she slumped to the floor, her face ghost-pale as she looked toward Hudson.

"Hudson... what... what are you doing here?"

Hudson stood up from the sofa, his expression unreadable in the shadows.

"Where were you? It's nearly midnight. You just left Cortney here alone?"

Amara's throat tightened. She tried to stand, but her knees were like jelly. She scrambled back, desperate to keep her distance so he wouldn't smell the metallic scent of blood on her skin.

Hudson saw her silence and his expression hardened. He began to walk toward her.

Just then, a piercing cry rang out from the second floor.

"Mommy! Mommy! I want my mommy!"

It was Cortney. Amara scrambled up in a rush of relief, racing upstairs to scoop the girl into her arms. She forced a tight, artificial smile for Hudson.

"I wasn't feeling well. I had to step out for some air. Thank you for staying with her, Hudson. It's late; you should get home and rest."

Hudson didn't press her. He tucked his suspicions away and headed home. Once in his bedroom, his phone rang. It was Silas Faith.

"Lyndon Spenser is dead. Found in a motel with a knife in his heart. One clean strike."

Hudson gripped the phone. "Who did it?"

"Eat while it's hot."

"Smells incredible."

The aroma was inviting. Bastian picked up his fork and began to eat.

After two large bites, he gave his verdict.

"It tastes even better than it smells."

Jade assumed he was just being polite and offered a small, non-committal smile.

Bastian ate quickly, but he didn't look like he was rushing. He moved with a practiced, military-like efficiency.

When he finished, he didn't move to the living room; he stayed in his chair, waiting for Jade.

Jade still had half a bowl left. Seeing him finish so fast, she was momentarily stunned.

"Were you that hungry? Do you want me to make another portion?"

"I'm full," Bastian said, resting his chin on his hand.

"It's just a habit—eating fast. Take your time. Don't rush on my account."

Jade gave a soft "oh" and turned back to her bowl, though she find herself eating faster anyway.

She wanted to know the truth about Joshua Boswell.

A few minutes later, Jade set her fork down.