Chapter 115

**Chapter 115**

**Judy’s POV**

“I can’t believe he didn’t invite me to the Gala, Irene,” I told her, my brows knitted together in frustration.

Irene’s grin got even wider. “Oh, but he will,” she said confidently.

“Trust me,” she said. “He just asked my father for an invitation for you.”

I felt a tightness in my chest at her words.

“Did he ask for Gavin?” I questioned, but then I remembered who else was there. I quickly cleared my throat.

She cleared her throat and tried again. “He asked your father?”

She nodded. “Yeah, and he’s getting you both a ticket,” she confirmed. “We’ll be going together as a double date. You and Walter, me and…”

Ethan. Of course, I would be stuck with Ethan for the whole night. I felt trapped, and my stomach began to twist and turn uncomfortably. It seemed like there was no way for me to escape this situation.

Gavin would probably be there too, which meant I would have to spend time with him all night, along with Ethan and Walter. I couldn’t help but wonder, could things get any more awkward?

“I don’t really do Galas,” Irene said.

“I’ve never done this kind of thing before,” I said, biting my lower lip.

“It’s so fun! You’re going to love it. Plus, you won’t be alone. I’m going with you,” she replied, smiling encouragingly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there!” she promised me.

Even though she sounded excited and full of hope, I wasn’t so sure. I leaned back in my seat and let her drive us the rest of the way into the city. She parked outside a tall building.

Instead of waiting in the car, Gamma Derek and Beta Taylor decided to walk into the boutique store with us. Meanwhile, the Gammas from the other car took their positions outside.

Gavin was serious this time. I couldn’t blame him for it.

His daughter almost got killed by some rogues. I was honestly relieved to have the extra protection, even though I knew they were only here for Irene and not for me.

“Miss Landry, it’s lovely to see you again,” the store clerk said with a smile.

“Are you shopping for the Gala this weekend?” asked the young woman as we walked into the store. She had curly red hair and bright green eyes that sparkled with excitement.

“Hello, Stacy,” Irene said with a smile. “Yes, I am,” she replied. “I’m looking for the perfect outfit.”

“Judy is my friend,” Irene said. “She’ll be going to the Gala, along with my cousin’s date.”

Judy’s eyes lit up when she heard this.

“Walter is in town?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes,” Irene replied simply. “Will you be able to…”

“Can you help her find the perfect ball gown?”

“Of course!” Stacy replied with excitement. “We just got a couple of new dresses this morning. I think you’ll really like one of them.”

Chapter 115
+25 BONUS

Irene walked over to a rack of dresses behind the cashier’s counter. She pulled out the most beautiful silver dress I had ever seen.

“Are those real diamonds?” Irene asked, admiring the dress.

Stacy smiled brightly and said, “Of course they are! This is an original piece by Ella Venuti. There’s only one like it in the whole world. When I say it’s new, I mean it’s brand new!”

Irene watched as Stacy’s excitement filled the room.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she moved closer to look at the stitching on the gown.

“Ella Venuti always creates stunning designs,” she said, admiring the details. “This is truly impressive. The diamonds add a lovely touch, and the fabric is so lightweight. It would be perfect…”

for the Gala,” she breathed.

“It’s also the most expensive in the store,” Stacy warned.

“Price has never been an issue,” she said thoughtfully.

She glanced at the price without flinching. Then, she looked at the dress again, feeling a mix of excitement and determination.

“It’s a little big for me, though,” she said with a frown. “I wouldn’t want to change the size unless Ella can do it herself.”

“I hear that Ella Venuti will be at the…”

Stacy frowned as she spoke about the upcoming gala this weekend. “She won’t be flying in until Friday evening. She’s booked up for the week, so I don’t think she’ll be able to make any changes to her schedule. But we have great designers here to help us.”

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to touch an Ella Venuti dress besides Ella herself,” Irene said, raising her hand.

She stepped back and turned to look at me.

“It looks like it…”

“Why don’t you try it on and see if it fits you?” she suggested.

I stared at her in shock. She wanted me to try on that expensive, one-of-a-kind dress? I couldn’t believe it. Was she serious?

“I… uh… I don’t think so,” I stammered.

“This dress needs to be seen at the Gala, Judy,” Irene told me. “Please, try it on.”

I sighed. I knew she was right, but the thought of wearing it made me nervous.

Stacy came with me to the dressing room and helped me put on the dress carefully. As soon as the zipper at the back went up and she released the seams, I felt like a completely new person.

The woman wore a dress that fit her perfectly, gently hugging her curves. When I turned to face Stacy, she gasped in surprise, and her face immediately brightened with joy.