Chapter 0091
Judy’s POV
My heart lightened slightly for Irene; I couldn’t help but feel a little bad for her. She had no idea what kind of man Ethan truly was, but maybe, in time, she’d start to see through his facade. I shook the thought from my mind. It wasn’t my problem. My focus had to stay on my father and his debt, on making sure he could come home to my mother and the life they once had. That was my priority.
Matt and I spent the next couple of hours sparring, practicing his defense moves until we were both panting and drenched in sweat.
“Good practice,” I said, giving him a pat on the back. “You’ve really been improving.”
“I have a great tutor,” he replied with a proud grin. “Thanks for helping me, Judy.”
“You should shower before dinner,” I suggested, glancing at my watch. “The maids are probably preparing it now.”
Matt nodded, then hurried inside. My gaze drifted to Irene, who was no longer glued to her phone. She was watching me now, her expression unreadable, though I could sense something beneath it. Was it nervousness? It almost seemed like she wanted to talk but was afraid to.
I figured if she wanted to speak, she would. So I turned away, starting to pack up my things.
I hadn’t heard her approach, but by the time I stood up, she was right behind me. I jumped in surprise.
“Sorry,” she muttered, her voice soft. “I didn’t mean to scare you…”
She bit her lower lip and rubbed the back of her arm, clearly awkward as she stood before me. I sighed and relented.
“Is everything okay, Irene?” I asked, concern slipping into my voice. “You seem off today.”
She blinked a few times, as though snapping out of a daze, before looking up at me.
“I’m not really sure. I guess I’m just confused,” she admitted, then hesitated before asking, “Judy, would you want to go shopping with me tonight?”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden invitation.
“I don’t really have the money for shopping,” I confessed, feeling my cheeks redden slightly.
Irene’s face softened. “It’ll be my treat,” she said quickly. “We can grab dinner too. Just the two of us.”
I paused for a moment, considering her request. “Is there a reason behind it?” I asked, raising my brows slightly.
“No…” she murmured, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I just need someone to talk to.”
I hesitated. “I’m not sure I’m the best person for that, Irene…”
Before I could finish, she cut me off.
“I don’t have anyone else, Judy,” she said urgently. “I could really use some girl time… please…”
Her plea tugged at something inside me. I wasn’t sure what I could offer, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn her down.
“Okay,” I said with a sigh. “But I should probably change first.”
“I have clothes you can borrow!” she said, practically dragging me by the arm. “Come on!”
She pulled me along with surprising energy, and when we reached the entrance, we nearly ran into Gavin. He froze at the sight of us, his eyes narrowing as he saw our arms linked together.
“What are you two doing?” His voice was low and heavy with suspicion as he looked between us.
Before I could answer, Irene spoke up.
“I’m taking Judy to change her clothes,” she said brightly. “We’re going shopping and grabbing dinner.”
Gavin raised an eyebrow at his daughter, then his gaze shifted to me.
“Is that so?” he asked, his tone cool.
I nodded slowly, trying not to sound too flustered. “Yes,” I replied, my voice coming out softer than I intended.
My heart was hammering in my chest, and my wolf, as always, was becoming increasingly agitated. The presence of Gavin Landry stirred something inside me, and I had to struggle to keep my instincts in check.
Irene tugged at my arm, but as we tried to pass him, Gavin’s hand wrapped around my bicep, halting me in place. The contact sent a shockwave through my body, goosebumps rising on my skin.
Irene shot a glare at her father, her expression one of frustration. “She’ll meet you upstairs,” Gavin told her quietly.
Irene gave me a concerned look but nodded curtly, unhooking her arm from mine before quickly heading upstairs. I turned to face Gavin, his grip still firm on my arm.
“Can I help you with something, Alpha?” I asked, trying to sound innocent.
“I don’t know what game you’re playing,” he said, his voice low and dangerously calm. “But leave Irene out of it.”
His words hit me like a slap, and I fought to keep my face neutral, though a wave of hurt washed over me. I wasn’t playing any game, and it wasn’t right that he’d assume I was.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” I said, trying to stay calm, though a knot was forming in my stomach.
“You can pretend all you want,” he murmured, his voice dropping even lower. “But I know women like you. You’ll step on anyone if it means getting what you want.”
I felt a pang in my chest, hurt by his accusation, but I stood my ground.
“You already have my nephew wrapped around your finger,” he continued, eyes narrowing as his grip on my arm tightened. “I’m sure he’s part of your game too. If you hurt Irene, I’ll make your life a living hell.”
I swallowed hard, the tension in the air thickening between us. I wasn’t playing any games, but the way Gavin saw me was something I couldn’t control. My mind raced, but I kept my emotions in check, unwilling to let him see how deeply his words had cut me.
