The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 252

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 252: Shopping Spree**

**Judy’s POV**

For a brief moment, I stood frozen, grappling with the weight of his accusation. Did Ethan truly believe I was so heartless, so scheming, that I would intentionally inflict pain on someone just to achieve my own desires? The only ambition that consumed me was the relentless drive to work diligently and erase my father’s burdensome debts. I had no ulterior motives; my heart was not set on malice, and I certainly had no intention of wounding anyone. Ethan, however, seemed to embody enough hostility for the both of us.

But I refused to remain a passive target for his scorn. I was done being belittled and dismissed. With a surge of defiance, I wrenched my arm free from his grip and fixed my gaze on Gavin, my fury blazing in my eyes like a wildfire.

“I don’t wish to harm anyone,” I asserted, my voice steady despite the tempest within. “I can spend time with your daughter and forge a friendship without hidden agendas, Alpha Gavin. If you have reservations about our friendship, perhaps you should discuss it with her. After all, she was the one who invited me.”

Without waiting for his reply, I turned on my heel and ascended the stairs in haste, chasing after Irene. I could feel Gavin’s gaze piercing into my back, a burning sensation that made my skin prickle. What thoughts swirled in his mind? Did he truly believe my words?

As I stepped into Irene’s bedroom, I found her immersed in the task of assembling an outfit for me. Her face lit up with a smile upon seeing me in the doorway.

“Did my father upset you?” she asked, her eyes scanning my expression with keen concern.

“No,” I replied, the lie slipping easily from my lips. “He was just discussing Matt’s studies.”

She nodded, her brow furrowed in contemplation as she returned to her task of selecting clothes.

“Here, wear this,” she instructed, handing me a snug white crop top and a pair of Capri jeans. I accepted the items and retreated into her bathroom. The clothes hugged my body a bit more than they would have on her, given our size difference, but they were surprisingly comfortable and undeniably stylish. I slipped my shoes back on, ran a brush through my hair to release it from its tight confines, and splashed some cold water on my face before spritzing myself with a light body spray. Feeling refreshed, I exited the bathroom to rejoin Irene.

Her eyes widened with delight as she took in my appearance.

“You look stunning!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “Just toss your old clothes into my hamper; the maids will take care of them later.”

I hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing my mind, but eventually, I complied and placed my discarded clothes in her hamper beside her closet.

With a grin that radiated warmth, Irene linked her arm through mine.

“Come on,” she urged, gesturing for me to follow her.

I trailed after her as we descended the stairs, and I caught sight of Gavin conversing with his driver, Leroy, by the front door. Irene’s expression soured, and she crossed her arms defiantly.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, narrowing her eyes at her father.

“Leroy is going to drive you girls into the city,” he replied, his tone curt.

“I wanted to take my new car,” she pouted, clearly displeased.

“I’m not debating this,” Gavin growled, his irritation palpable.

I couldn’t help but wonder if his frustration stemmed from our earlier confrontation. I chose not to press the issue and instead turned my attention to Irene, who was visibly fuming. It was evident that she resented the idea of Leroy being our chauffeur, yet it seemed she had little choice in the matter.

After a moment of silent protest, she relented and followed Leroy outside. I hesitated for just a heartbeat, glancing back at Gavin. His expression was inscrutable, but it sent a wave of anxiety churning in my stomach. Without uttering a word, I turned and followed Irene and Leroy into the fresh air.

We slid into the backseat while Leroy took his position at the wheel.

“Leroy, roll up the window,” Irene commanded, her voice firm.

Leroy glanced at us through the rearview mirror, then pressed the button that sealed off the front from the back, granting us a semblance of privacy. Irene exhaled a breath I suspected she had been holding.

“Everything okay?” I ventured, breaking the silence that had settled over us during the ride.

She stole a glance at me, and I could see the storm brewing in her eyes.

“I just wanted to escape,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “To get away from everything and everyone. But it’s hard when my father has his men shadowing my every move.”

“It’s just Leroy,” I reassured her. “He’s hardly keeping a close watch.”

She rolled her eyes, exasperated.

“If you think it’s only Leroy, you’re mistaken. Look behind us,” she muttered, her tone laden with frustration.

I turned to glance through the window, my heart sinking as I spotted the car trailing closely behind us. My brows shot up in surprise when I recognized the driver. He was one of the guards I had seen around the Silver Crescent pack, and his passenger was another guard.

“Are those Gammas?” I asked, astonished.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify