Chapter 0073
Matt followed closely behind us.
We didn’t stop walking until we were outside the school, near the car where Beta Taylor was waiting. The Gamma warriors stood at a distance—close enough to step in if necessary, but far enough to respect our privacy.
“What the hell were you two thinking?” Gavin asked, finally releasing my hand.
I dropped my gaze to the ground.
“It’s my fault, Dad. I asked her to pretend to be my mom,” Matt blurted out, rushing to explain. “I didn’t want you to be upset. I was scared, so I asked Judy to help me during our tutoring session last night.”
Gavin’s sharp eyes flickered to me.
“And you went along with it?” he asked, narrowing his gaze.
“I probably should have asked more questions before agreeing,” I admitted. “I didn’t mean to deceive you, Alpha. I’m sorry.”
“You both acted foolishly and childishly,” he scolded. “Did you not think they’d ask questions about my marriage? The world would have known if I had gotten married, don’t you think?”
I nodded, biting my lower lip.
“I wasn’t thinking clearly. I shouldn’t have insinuated that we were married,” I murmured. “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head, disappointment evident in his expression. I suddenly felt like a child being scolded by a parent.
“Please, don’t be mad at her. It was my idea,” Matt said, grabbing his father’s arm. “Don’t be upset with Judy.”
“She’s the adult,” Gavin said firmly, his sharp gaze landing on his son. “She should have known better.”
“It’s okay, Matthew,” I said gently, forcing back the sting of tears. “I’m sorry I couldn’t pull this off for you. But you don’t need to defend me. I’ll take whatever punishment he decides.”
Turning to Gavin, I took a deep breath.
“If you want to fire me, I understand. I’ll find another job.”
Gavin studied me for a long moment before rolling his eyes and walking toward the car. I furrowed my brows, confused by his reaction.
Matt, just as bewildered, shrugged and followed him.
I remained rooted to the ground, unsure if I was supposed to follow. It wasn’t until they were both in the car that Gavin glanced in my direction.
“Get in. We don’t have all day,” he muttered.
I quickly slid into the backseat beside them.
Beta Taylor had rolled up the partition window, giving us privacy. The ride back to Gavin’s villa was slow due to traffic. At some point, Matt fell asleep, resting his head on my arm, his breathing soft and steady.
Gavin sighed, glancing down at his son.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly. “For how things played out today. I shouldn’t have gone along with it.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” he replied, his tone sharp but hushed so as not to wake Matt.
I sighed, looking out the window, unsure what else to say.
“But… thank you for being there for him,” he added unexpectedly.
I turned to him, blinking in surprise.
“You’re thanking me?” I asked, raising a brow.
“Don’t let it get to your head,” Gavin murmured. “Matt doesn’t have a mother figure in his life. It was nice that you were there for him when he needed one.”
I bit my lip, unable to stop the small smile from forming.
“I’m sorry if this is a bold question, but… who is Matt’s mother?”
Gavin was silent for a long moment. I thought he wouldn’t answer, and honestly, I didn’t expect him to. But then he glanced at me.
“My sister.”
I gasped, snapping my head toward him.
“What?”
“Don’t get the wrong idea,” he said sharply. “Matt is my sister’s child. I’m his uncle.”
Realization dawned on me—Matt wasn’t actually Gavin’s son. That’s why his identity had been kept out of the public eye.
“What happened to your sister?” I asked cautiously.
“She’s in a rehab facility, getting the help she needs,” he admitted. “Matt was young when he was taken from her. It wasn’t a good environment. I didn’t want him growing up in the foster system, so I took him in.”
He exhaled deeply, his eyes dark with something unreadable.
“He started calling me Dad a few years ago.”
