Chapter 23

**Chapter 23**

I frowned at my reflection in the mirror. There was no way I could be seen with that hickey on my neck! I needed to cover it up quickly.

I decided to use a scarf.

After I finished my shower, I wrapped the scarf around my neck, hoping it would hide the mark.

I got dressed for the day. I chose a scarf that matched my blouse and jeans perfectly. I tied it around my neck and took a deep breath before stepping out of my room.

My mother had made it clear that she was not happy about how I had disrespected our future Alpha.

I told her I wasn’t going to do what Ethan asked me. I believed we could find another way to make money.

“Honestly, Judy, just do what he’s asking. It can’t be that hard. Your father’s life…”

“Please, it’s important,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

I stayed quiet, not wanting to talk about it anymore. Later that afternoon, I took an Uber to Gavin’s house. I felt relieved to find that only Adam was there.

Matt and I were home, which meant I wouldn’t have to deal with any awkward moments.

Adam took some time to show me around the house. He led me to all the rooms I could use, explaining what each one was for. Some of the rooms were meant to stay closed, while others were open for me to explore.

Gavin’s study, along with the whole upstairs floor, was now clear.

“The interview was just the first step,” Adam said, turning to look at me. “You may have impressed Master Matthew, but you still have more to prove.”

“You need to prove yourself to me. None of his previous tutors have managed to get him to finish his tasks. Your job is to help him complete them. Do you understand?”

“I will try my best,” I replied, feeling confident.

Adam crossed his arms and smirked at me.

“Honestly, Miss Judy,” he said, “I don’t think you have what it takes to handle this boy. Even the people who passed the interview process struggled with him.”

I felt a knot in my stomach. Adam’s words stung, but I was determined to prove him wrong.

Adam’s words surprised Judy. She hadn’t expected him to say that. He was a complicated child, and it would take more than just a nice face and good fighting skills to make him listen.

Judy knew she had to find a way to reach him. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to help Adam see things differently. She took a deep breath, thinking about how to approach the situation.

As she looked at him, she realized that behind his tough exterior, there was a lot more going on. She needed to understand him better, and that meant having an open conversation.

With a gentle tone, she started to speak, hoping to connect with him on a deeper level.

It was true. That morning, he had been talking with Ethan while Miss Irene got dressed for the day. Ethan mentioned that Judy had never been around kids before and didn’t know anything about them. He admitted that he was worried about how she would handle it.

Ethan had known Judy for a long time, and he didn’t believe she could handle this job.

At one point, Judy opened up to Ethan about a serious condition she had. She believed she was managing it well, but it affected her in a way that made her feel less intelligent in certain situations.

Once Adam learned from Ethan about Judy’s condition, he felt a bit deceived.

Adam decided to keep a close eye on Miss Judy and to report anything he found suspicious.

Ethan also seemed strangely interested in Matt and his hobbies that morning.

I noticed that Matt doesn’t do much around here, and I wanted to figure out what to get him for his birthday. I know it’s still months away, but since I’m going to be a part of Irene’s life as her husband, I thought it would be good to start thinking about it now.

I want to start thinking about these things now.

Adam didn’t find that too strange, so he nodded thoughtfully.

“Well, he’s really into video games right now. In fact, he has a tablet that…

He continued to play, even though there was one game he loved more than the others. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed to play it right now.

**Chapter 0023**

**+25 BONUS**

Ethan raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Why can’t I play it?” he asked.

“Because…”

“He spends too much time locked away in his room, playing that game all day. It’s impossible to get him to do anything or cooperate.”

“Can I see the tablet?” Ethan asked.

“I think I’ll get him a new game,” she said. “Something educational.”