Chapter 0076
Judy’s POV
I wasn’t blind.
The man sitting in the parlor with Irene and Ethan was undeniably attractive. There was something familiar about him too. But what stood out the most was the way he looked at me—like I was the only person in the world. It made my cheeks burn.
I blinked a few times, forcing myself to offer a polite smile before quickly leaving the room to rejoin Matt outside.
He was focused, throwing daggers at the training dummies with precision. His form had improved significantly since we started working together. As I approached, he paused and took the water bottle I handed him.
“Was Irene expecting company today?” I asked, settling onto the grass beside him.
Matt glanced toward the villa, thinking for a moment before realization dawned on his face.
“My cousin Walter is visiting for the month,” he answered. “I only met him once, but I think today was the day he was supposed to arrive.”
I frowned, the name triggering a sense of recognition. And then it clicked.
“Walter Landry? The French journalist?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Of course, I knew who Walter Landry was. His work was remarkable—sharp, insightful, and well-respected. But I had no idea he was related to Gavin Landry. I’d assumed the shared last name was just a coincidence.
Matt nodded, watching my reaction. “Yeah. You’ve heard of him?”
“Of course I have,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief. “His journalism is incredible. I can’t believe you’re actually related to him.”
Matt smirked. “His last name is Landry.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t put it together.” I sighed, still processing the revelation. “What’s he doing here?”
Matt opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, a smooth voice spoke from behind me.
“I’m after my next big story. Got any leads for me, Miss Montague?”
A shiver ran down my spine. I turned swiftly to see Walter walking toward us, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow around him. He looked almost angelic—though, in my opinion, not quite as breathtaking as Gavin. But the family resemblance was unmistakable.
I blinked, regaining my focus.
“Mr. Landry, it’s an honor to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.
Walter glanced at my hand before smirking. Instead of shaking it, he took it gently, bringing it to his lips. His touch was warm, his lips soft as they brushed my skin.
“No need for formalities,” he murmured. “Call me Walter.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Then you can call me Judy.”
“Judy…” he repeated slowly, as if savoring the sound of my name. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
I crossed my arms. “How long are you visiting, Walter?”
“A month,” he answered easily. Then his gaze met mine, his voice dropping slightly. “Unless I’m given a reason to stay longer.”
The implication wasn’t lost on me.
Before I could respond, Irene’s voice cut through the moment.
“Oh, Judy! I see you’ve met my cousin.”
Irene approached with Ethan close behind her. While she looked delighted, Ethan… looked furious. His glare was fixed on Walter, and I had no idea why.
“Yes,” I said, straightening my posture. “He’s quite charming.”
“That’s my cousin for you.” Irene laughed. “We were so close growing up. I’m so glad to have him here—it’s his first time in our country, and I was planning to show him around the pack. Want to join us?”
“I can’t,” I said, gesturing toward Matt, who was back to throwing daggers at the dummies. “I still have training to finish.”
Irene pouted, visibly disappointed.
“Well, we should get going then,” Ethan interjected, grabbing Irene’s arm a little too quickly. “We have places to be. Right, Walter?”
Walter, however, didn’t move. His eyes stayed on mine.
“Actually,” he said smoothly, “I’d like to stick around a bit longer. Maybe I could be of assistance to Judy here.”
I raised a brow. “You think you could help me?”
Walter smirked.
“I don’t think we need a journalist in combat training,” I added dryly. “But thanks for the offer.”
I turned to leave, but Irene’s voice stopped me.
“Actually, Wallie has plenty of warrior training,” she pointed out. “He’s going to be the next Alpha of the Black Night pack in France once his father steps down.”
I glanced back at Walter, surprised.
“When he’s not running his own journalism company, he’s training with the warriors and learning everything he needs to know about being an Alpha,” Irene continued.
Walter’s smirk deepened.
“Well,” I said, crossing my arms again. “Is that so?”
