Chapter 0074
Judy’s POV
“And he knows that he isn’t your biological child?” I asked, glancing down at a sleeping Matthew.
Gavin nodded.
“Yes,” he said softly. “He remembers his time with his mother. It wasn’t good, and he still has nightmares about it. He started calling me Dad a few years ago after he began living with me.”
“That was kind of you—to take him in,” I said, feeling my heart warm at the thought of Gavin caring so deeply. He treated Matt like his own, and until today, I never had any reason to doubt that he was.
“He’s family,” Gavin said with a shrug, as if it was the simplest truth in the world.
I wanted to say more but wasn’t sure what would be appropriate. So, I remained quiet until the car pulled to a stop in front of the villa.
“We should probably wake him so we can start his lessons for today,” I said.
Gavin nodded.
I gently nudged Matt, running my fingers down the side of his face. He looked so peaceful, and I hated to wake him. But after a moment, his eyes fluttered open, and he yawned, lifting his head from my arm and blinking groggily.
“Are we home?” he asked sleepily.
“Yes,” I answered at the same time Gavin said, “We are.”
Our gazes met, and warmth spread across my face.
“Thanks for helping me today,” Matt said, surprising me as he hugged me. “You were a good mom.”
I turned bright red, and the smirk on Gavin’s lips did not go unnoticed.
“Let’s go inside and get some work done,” I said quickly, pushing open the door, eager to change the subject.
I heard Matt’s laughter behind me as we headed inside.
Third Person POV
“Remind me again why we’re preparing all this food?” Ethan asked, staring at the elaborate spread of dishes laid out by the maids.
Irene had been rushing around all morning, making sure everything was perfect.
“Because my cousin Walter is visiting from France,” she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “I haven’t seen him since I was a little girl! I can’t wait to reunite with him.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow. “And how long is he staying?”
“A month,” Irene replied. “He’s a journalist working on a worldwide article, and he wanted to start his research here.”
“So, Walter is your father’s nephew?” Ethan clarified.
She nodded. “Yes. My father has an older sister and a younger brother—Walter’s dad. He’s the middle child.”
“And his younger brother left the country?”
“To be with his mate,” she explained. “He was on a business trip when they met. She didn’t want to leave France, and he didn’t want to leave her, so he started over completely. He left everything behind and built a new life there.”
“They only had one child—Walter. He’s a few years older than me, but he’s already very successful.”
Ethan’s curiosity piqued. “Do you have a photo? I wonder if I’ve heard of him.”
Irene pulled out her phone, scrolling until she found a picture of Walter Landry. He looked like a model, with perfect blonde curls and striking dark blue eyes. His strong physique and chiseled features screamed Landry lineage.
“You two could be siblings,” Ethan pointed out.
Irene beamed. “We got that a lot as kids. We were close whenever we visited. I’ve only been to France a few times, but it was beautiful, and I loved spending time with my father’s side of the family.”
Ethan smiled, draping an arm around her shoulders. “If he’s important to you, then he’s important to me. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Irene kissed his cheek. “He should be here any minute.”
One of the maids approached. “Should we set the food in the parlor? Miss Montague and Master Matthew went out back for sparring and defense practice.”
Irene nodded. “Yes, the parlor is perfect.”
The maids quickly carried the platters to the parlor just as the sound of the doorbell echoed through the villa.
Irene’s face lit up, and she turned to Ethan, grabbing his hand. “He’s here! Let’s go!”
Together, they walked into the grand foyer, where several Gamma warriors were stationed. Adam had already opened the door and was greeting the young man who stepped inside.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Master Walter,” Adam said. “We’ve prepared the guest room for you. I hope it’s to your liking. I’ll bring your things up right away.”
“Irene!” Walter’s smile was radiant as he stepped forward, his thick French accent unmistakable.
“Walter!” Irene shrieked with joy, rushing toward him.
Walter opened his arms wide, embracing her warmly. “Rena, it’s so good to see you again.”
