Chapter 113

**Chapter 113**
**Gavin’s POV**
**+25 BONUS**

There was something hopeful and boyish about my nephew. The idea of bursting that bubble of innocence with a harsh truth didn’t feel right to me. But I also didn’t want to keep him in the dark forever.

I tried to tell myself it shouldn’t bother me that Judy chose to be his girlfriend. She was her own person and could make her own choices. I understood that she didn’t want me in that way, and that was clear to me.

I only wanted to keep our relationship professional, which was probably for the best.

But the idea of her being touched by another man made me feel nothing but resentment and anger. I had to push those thoughts out of my head, though.

It was my business. She made her choice, and now I had to make mine.

“I can’t answer for her,” I finally said. “You’ll have to ask her yourself.”

With that, I turned away and walked on.

I walked into the kitchen without saying a word. Irene and Matt were already seated at the dining table. Moments later, Walter walked in after me. I took my place at the head of the table, while Walter sat next to Irene.

“I’m so happy to see you all here,” I said, breaking the silence.

“I’m so glad you can join us for dinner, Dad. I didn’t think you’d be here,” Irene said with a warm smile.

“I’m surprised you aren’t with Ethan,” I replied, as I placed my cloth napkin on my lap.

She shrugged and looked thoughtful.

She glanced at her phone sitting next to her on the table.

“He’s been busy today,” she said softly. “After I got back from the hospital earlier, he had to catch up on some work.” She sighed, thinking about how he spent the rest of the day working hard.

“…the entire night with me. He was such a gentleman,” she said with a smile.

I looked at her face and noticed that the bruise was almost completely gone. She looked much better than before. I felt relieved to see her like this. When I first saw her, I had been worried.

This morning, I visited the hospital after leaving the Villa. She looked exhausted and still so scared. Being with Ethan must have helped her start to feel better.

“He was so brave last night, Daddy,” she said. “I wish I could remember him fighting those guys.”

Irene couldn’t believe what had just happened. She had passed out, but now she was realizing that he came to save her. “He must really love me,” she thought, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. “I can’t believe I ever doubted him.”

Walter, listening to her excited thoughts, raised an eyebrow and asked, “You doubted him?”

“Only for a minute,” she confessed. “I thought he might have feelings for someone else. But I think I was just being paranoid.”

“Who would he have feelings for?” Walter asked. “I mean, really?”

“Who could possibly be better than you, Rena?”

Irene felt her cheeks heat up and looked down at her empty plate.

“It’s not important,” she quietly replied.

It was obvious that she didn’t want to share more. I already knew the reason.

Irene was lost in her thoughts when the maids began bringing in the food.

“It all looks so good!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

“I can’t wait to eat,” Walter added, sharing her enthusiasm.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as everyone eagerly awaited the meal.

**Chapter 113**

“Did you hear about the masquerade gala this year?” I asked as the last of the food was served.

I waited until everyone had their plates filled before I started to eat too.

“It’s going to be amazing!” I continued, excited about the event.

“Irene asked, looking at me. “Are you coming to the party this weekend? Everybody who is anybody will be there.”

I nodded in agreement.

“I have invitations for you and Ethan,” I told her.

She squealed with excitement and clapped her hands.

“Can I get a couple of tickets too?” Walter asked, looking at me before he took another bite of food. “I want to ask Judy to go with me to the gala.”

“That’s a great idea!” I replied, smiling at him.

“Irene said excitedly, “I can take her shopping and make it a girl’s day out!”

But then she noticed my glare and froze. She gave me a sheepish smile. “And this time, we won’t wander off without guards.”

“You’ll take extra guards and Beta Taylor,” I told her firmly, making it clear there was no room for argument.

She nodded and looked down at her plate.

“Yes, father,” she replied.

Walter cleared his throat, bringing my focus back to him.

I didn’t want to give him a chance to take Judy out, but if I said no, I would have to explain why. I wasn’t ready to come up with an excuse at that moment.

“So, can I take Judy out?” he asked.

“Do you have a couple of tickets?” he asked again.

I nodded. “Yeah,” I murmured. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Uncle,” he said, as he went back to his food.

“This is great,” he added, smiling at his plate.

“It’s going to be so much fun!” Irene chattered excitedly as we sat down to eat. She kept talking, filling the air with her words while we enjoyed our meal.

My gaze drifted to Walter for a moment, and I found myself staring a little longer than I meant to. He had a warm smile on his face that made it hard to look away.

I could see it in his eyes and on his lips. I knew exactly who he was thinking of, because I was thinking of the same woman.

**Judy’s POV**

“Two words: Masquerade Gala!” Nan exclaimed, shoving a flyer in my face and squealing with excitement. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, caught off guard by her enthusiasm.

One sunny afternoon, I was sitting against a tree in the campus quad, studying my textbook. Suddenly, Nan appeared out of nowhere.