Chapter 0046
Judy’s POV
“Matthew! What have you done?”
Irene’s shriek echoed from the back porch steps.
I hadn’t even realized she was there.
How long had she been watching us?
Matt’s face turned pale. His wide eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I’m so sorry, Judy,” he choked out, his bottom lip trembling. “I didn’t mean to—I-”
His voice wavered as a hiccup escaped him.
It was moments like these that reminded me—he was still just a little boy.
My expression softened.
I knelt down in front of him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“It was an accident,” I reassured him. “I know you didn’t mean to. I’m not mad at you, Matt.”
He sniffled. “Dad is going to be so upset…”
I leaned in closer.
“Your father doesn’t have to know a thing,” I whispered. “It’ll be our little secret.”
His eyes flickered with hope. “Really?”
I smiled.
“Of course. Now, why don’t you go get cleaned up? I’m sure the maids will have dinner ready soon.”
Matt wiped at his cheeks, nodding.
“Okay.”
With that, he turned and walked back toward the villa.
I sighed, standing up and brushing the dirt off my pants.
“You’re really good with him,” Irene said, stepping closer. “I’ve never seen anyone connect with Matt like that. No wonder he likes you.”
I shrugged. “I guess I’m just good with kids.”
I turned to grab my bag, fully aware that Irene was still watching me.
“I think it’s something more,” she mused. “He sees something in you that he didn’t see in the others. It’s fascinating, honestly.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“He’s a special little boy. He deserves the world.”
I adjusted my bag over my shoulder. “I should call an Uber and get going.”
Irene’s eyes widened.
“You can’t leave with your shirt like that!”
I glanced down at my torn blouse, barely hanging onto my body.
Thankfully, I had been wearing a sports bra underneath, but still… I felt exposed.
“The last thing you want is a stranger looking at you like this,” she insisted. “Come with me.”
She didn’t give me a choice.
Before I could protest, she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the villa.
I didn’t fight her. There was no point.
But as we climbed the stairs to the personal floor, unease settled in my stomach.
Gavin is going to be furious if he finds out I’m up here…
But Irene didn’t seem to care.
She led me down the hallway until we reached a door, which I assumed was her bedroom.
She pushed the door open, tugging me inside before I could even process what was happening.
Then, she shut the door behind me.
I instinctively wrapped my arms around my body, suddenly feeling incredibly out of place.
And then—I smelled him.
Ethan.
His scent clung to every inch of the room.
My gaze flickered to the large bed, my stomach twisting at the thought of them sharing it.
Then, my eyes landed on the nightstand.
A framed photo of Ethan and Irene stared back at me.
They were locked in each other’s arms, gazing into each other’s eyes like they were the center of each other’s universe.
I clenched my jaw.
Ethan is a great actor.
Because I knew the truth.
I knew he didn’t care about Irene.
He was only using her to solidify his position as Alpha.
And it wasn’t fair to her.
For a brief moment, I considered telling her. Warning her.
But it wasn’t my place.
And even if I did tell her…
Would she even believe me?
I turned away from the picture, watching as Irene rummaged through her closet.
“You really don’t have to do this,” I told her.
I was seconds away from backing out of the room entirely.
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could stand being in here.
“Nonsense,” she said over her shoulder. “It’s no big deal. Plus, you can’t walk around like that.”
I sighed, knowing she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
