Chapter 0050
Judy’s POV
All three of them stared at me.
Irene and Matt, smiling.
Gavin, frowning.
I stood frozen in place, my heart pounding violently in my chest. I had no idea how to get out of this. There was no way in hell I was sitting down for dinner with Gavin Landry and his family.
“I really should go,” I sputtered, pointing toward the door with an awkward, desperate laugh.
“Please, Judy.” Matt grabbed my arm, his voice pleading. “I really want you to stay.”
“It’d be nice to have another woman at the table,” Irene chimed in, hope flickering in her eyes.
She really was desperate for friends. And she’d take them however she could.
I swallowed hard and turned to Gavin, silently begging him to back me up—
But all he did was sigh, running his fingers through his hair.
Then, glancing at Irene and Matt, he turned to the maid who had entered at his command.
“Set an extra plate for Miss Montague,” he ordered.
My entire heart sank into my stomach.
“Yes, Alpha,” the maid said, bowing before hurrying toward the kitchen.
Gavin’s gaze returned to mine, hard and unreadable.
I stared at him, stunned.
I couldn’t believe he just did that.
It was obvious from the look on his face that he didn’t want me here—so why was he forcing me to stay?
I wanted to demand an answer.
But then I looked at Matt.
He was practically bouncing on his heels, his entire face lit up with excitement.
And I realized—that’s why Gavin did it.
From what I’d heard, Matt rarely smiled, let alone this much.
And if I was the reason he lost that happiness, I’d never forgive myself.
“This is so exciting!” Irene clapped her hands together. “Come on, Matt. Let’s get ready for dinner.”
Matt nodded and followed her toward the kitchen, leaving me alone with Gavin.
I immediately whirled toward him, my lips pressing into a thin line.
He ignored me.
Looked everywhere but at me.
Which only made me even madder.
“What the hell was that?” I demanded, placing my hands on my hips.
“What was what?” he replied, playing dumb.
I rolled my eyes.
“Why would you ask the maid to set an extra plate for me?” I snapped, exasperated.
This time, he actually looked at me.
And his eyes were cold.
“Because you’re joining us for dinner,” he said, his voice low and edged with warning.
I stiffened.
The shift in his demeanor startled me, and I took an instinctive step back.
“I haven’t seen Matt smile like that in a long time,” he continued. “But for some reason, he likes you. So, for his sake, you’re staying. And you’re not going to complain.”
I opened my mouth to argue—
Then shut it immediately.
Because he was right.
I couldn’t be the reason Matt’s happiness faded.
With a curt nod, I turned toward the kitchen.
But before I could take another step, Gavin grabbed my arm.
His touch was gentle—yet firm.
A sudden warmth spread through my entire body.
Goosebumps prickled along my skin.
My heart skipped a beat as I slowly turned back to face him.
And suddenly—
He was close.
So close I could smell him.
His scent wrapped around me like a tornado, intoxicating, drowning me.
For a second, he just stared.
Lips slightly parted.
Eyes dark with something I shouldn’t recognize.
His gaze flickered to my lips—
And for a fleeting moment, I thought he was going to kiss me.
Did I want him to?
I bit my lip.
Yes.
Yes, I did.
But just as quickly as it happened, something snapped inside him.
His grip loosened.
His body stiffened.
And he pulled away.
I blinked, breaking out of whatever trance I’d just fallen into.
My cheeks burned.
“It’s just dinner, Judy,” he said coolly. “Don’t go thinking this changes anything.”
Then he walked around me and into the kitchen without a second glance.
I swallowed hard, pressing my fingers against my warm face.
Get it together, I scolded myself.
Clearing my throat, I took a deep breath and followed him inside.
Irene and Matt were already seated.
There were two open seats left—
One at the head of the table.
And the other right next to it.
My stomach twisted.
That was where they wanted me to sit.
Right next to Gavin.
I wasn’t the only one who noticed.
Gavin let out a long sigh as he walked toward the table.
The dining room was filled with the scent of delicious food, making my mouth water.
That’s when I realized—
I hadn’t eaten all day.
Between visiting my father in prison and coming straight here to tutor Matt, I’d completely forgotten about food.
