Chapter 119

**Chapter 0119**

**Judy’s POV**

The Gala was just as beautiful as I had imagined. However, it was also very crowded. As soon as our limo arrived at the front entrance, I saw a long line of people waiting to get inside.

The paparazzi surrounded us, their cameras flashing brightly. The bright lights almost blinded me, and Walter had to take my hand and help me through the doorway.

They kept asking questions about what Irene was wearing. When they finally got a good look at me, one of them shouted something that made my heart race.

Ella Venuti’s design caught people’s attention, and they started asking me questions about it too.

When I opened my mouth to share where I got the dress, Irene stopped me.

“You don’t want to talk to the press,” she said.

“I can’t believe they are so sneaky,” she whispered. “They’ll twist anything you say.”

I bit my lip and nodded in agreement.

We walked over to the security guards at the entrance. Ethan pulled out the invitations for himself and Irene. The security guard looked at the invites.

Walter paused for a moment before he nodded and stepped aside to let them enter.

He handed our tickets to the security guard, who looked them over carefully. After a moment, the guard nodded and stepped aside for us as well.

Walter then offered me his arm, and I smiled thoughtfully at him as we prepared to go in together.

I took a deep breath.

The music was loud, and everyone around me was dressed in sparkling gowns and suits. With everyone wearing masks, I couldn’t recognize anyone, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I would recognize them even without the masks.

“This place is amazing,” I thought to myself.

I took a deep breath and looked up at the colorful lights dancing across the ceiling. “It’s beautiful,” I said, feeling enchanted by the scene.

“First time at the Gala?” Walter asked, giving me a curious look.

I nodded.

“Is it really that obvious?” I wondered aloud.

I asked, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze.

“I guess it’s a new experience for us both then,” he admitted.

I looked at him, surprised.

“You’ve never been here before either?”

He shrugged casually.

“Not to an American one,” he told me. “I’ve been to a few galas in France, but nothing quite like this. I’m also way too busy with work, so I don’t go out often.”

“What are we supposed to do at these events besides just stand here and look pretty?” I asked playfully.

He smirked at me.

“We drink and mingle with the rich,” he replied. When I laughed, he couldn’t help but grin back.

“Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“That would be great,” I replied. “Anything but champagne.”

“You aren’t a fan?” he wondered.

“Not really,” I said.

He nodded, understanding my preference.

“I’ll remember that,” he said with a wink before turning and walking toward the bar.

“There you are,” Irene said, linking her arm through mine. “Come on; we have a…”

“Reserved table over here,” she said.

I looked behind her and saw that Ethan was already sitting at the table. A wave of nausea hit me, but I forced myself to swallow it down. Taking a deep breath, I willed my legs to move towards him.

Irene and I sat at a table, knowing it was going to be a long night ahead.

**Gavin’s POV**

“Mr. Landry, how much are you donating for the Gala this year?” someone asked.

“Mr. Landry, who designed your suit?” another voice chimed in.

“Are you here with…?”

“Anyone special tonight?”

I ignored the paparazzi, just like I always did. As soon as I got to the security guard, he nodded at me and let me in without even asking for my invitation.

As I walked past him, I stopped for a moment and reached out.

I reached into my pocket to grab my mask. Once I had it, I slipped it over my face and walked the rest of the way inside.

I wasn’t really a fan of these events. But since I was the one funding it, I felt it was my duty to be there.

The staff was busy running around, trying to serve as many guests as possible. Everyone was dressed in their elegant outfits, mingling with each other. When the guests saw me walking by, many women straightened up and puffed out their chests, trying to look their best.

I noticed a few people in the crowd looking at me, their eyes wide and playful. I chose to ignore them, just like I did with the paparazzi. The first place I headed to was the bar.

I stopped for a moment when I saw Walter ordering drinks from the bartender. If Walter was here, then things were about to get interesting.

Judy was here. I could feel it instinctively. My eyes quickly found her at a table with Ethan and Irene. She looked a bit uncomfortable as Irene chatted away, seemingly not noticing how Judy was fidgeting. Ethan seemed distracted, not really paying attention to either of them.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him looking at Judy. Anger surged through me. His gaze should be only for my daughter, not for anyone else.

Did I really have to talk to him about this again?

And what was Judy thinking? Why was she wearing that?

“Why is she wearing that dress?” Walter wondered to himself. It seemed strange to him that she would choose such an outfit, especially knowing there would be single males around, including her ex. It felt like she was trying to get his attention.

“Uncle?” Walter called out, looking for his uncle’s opinion as he began to approach.

I walked by with drinks in hand. I looked at him closely and nodded without saying a word.

“I’m glad you came,” Walter said, a small smile on his face. “I hope it’s okay that I took…”

Judy is here. I know you didn’t like the idea of me dating one of your staff members. But Judy is different. I really like her. I might even be in love with her.

When I heard those words, I felt a chill run through me.

Chapter

Judy was in love, but she wondered if Walter truly loved her back.

Walter had a complicated past with women. He often fell in love too quickly, but then he would meet someone new and leave his current partner behind. This pattern made Judy question if Walter could really feel the same way about her. Would he stay, or would he move on like he had done before?

It really showed how Judy was not very smart for falling for a guy like that.

**Chapter 120**

+25 BONUS

**Chapter 120**