The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 261

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 261: Invitation**

**Gavin’s POV**

There was something undeniably innocent and hopeful about my nephew that struck a chord within me. The idea of bursting that bubble with harsh reality felt like a betrayal, yet I was also painfully aware that I couldn’t allow his expectations to soar too high. It shouldn’t concern me whether Judy decided to be his girlfriend or not. She was an independent woman, capable of making her own choices, and it was evident that she preferred to keep our relationship strictly professional. Perhaps that was for the best, for both of us.

Still, the mere thought of her being with another man ignited a wave of resentment and anger within me, a tempest I struggled to suppress. I had to clear my mind of such thoughts; after all, it was her decision to make. She had chosen her path, and now I had to navigate mine.

“I can’t speak for her,” I finally replied, my voice steady, though my insides churned. “You’ll have to ask her directly.”

With that, I turned on my heel and made my way to the kitchen, deliberately avoiding any further conversation. Irene and Matt were already seated at the dining table, and Walter entered just moments after I did. I took my place at the head of the table, while Walter settled beside Irene, a comfortable familiarity evident in their interaction.

“I’m so glad you could join us for dinner, Dad. I honestly didn’t think you’d make it,” Irene said, her smile warm and inviting.

“I’m surprised you aren’t with Ethan,” I responded, adjusting my cloth napkin on my lap, trying to mask my curiosity.

She shrugged, casting a quick glance at her phone that lay beside her on the table.

“He’s been swamped today,” she explained softly, her tone tinged with a hint of disappointment. “After I came back from the hospital earlier, he had to catch up on work. He spent the entire night with me, though. Such a gentleman.”

As I examined her face, I noticed that the bruise from her earlier ordeal had nearly faded, and she appeared to be recovering well. A wave of relief washed over me; when I had seen her at the hospital that morning, she had looked utterly drained and terrified. Clearly, spending time with Ethan had been a balm for her troubled mind.

“He was so noble last night, Daddy,” Irene continued, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “I wish I could remember him fighting those rogues, but I passed out. I can’t believe he came to save me… he must really love me,” she gushed, the happiness radiating from her like sunlight. “I can’t believe I ever doubted him.”

“You doubted him?” Walter inquired, his brows arching in surprise.

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

“Who could he possibly have feelings for?” Walter asked, his tone light yet probing. “Who could ever be better than you, Rena?”

Irene blushed deeper, her gaze falling to her empty plate.

“It’s not important,” she murmured, clearly reluctant to share her thoughts.

I could see the hesitation in her eyes; I knew exactly whom she was thinking about. Before the conversation could delve deeper, the maids began to bring in the food, filling the air with delightful aromas.

“It all looks so good!” Irene exclaimed, her earlier worries forgotten for the moment.

“I can’t wait to eat,” Walter chimed in, his enthusiasm infectious.

“Dig in,” I said as the last of the dishes were served.

I waited patiently, allowing them to fill their plates before I began to eat.

“Did you hear about the masquerade gala this weekend?” Irene asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she glanced at me. “Everyone who is anyone will be there.”

I nodded, already aware of the event’s significance.

“I have invitations for you and Ethan,” I informed her, watching her reaction closely.

She squealed with delight, clapping her hands together.

“Is it possible for me to get a couple of tickets as well?” Walter interjected, looking at me with hopeful eyes before taking another bite. “I’d like to ask Judy to accompany me to the gala.”

“That’s a splendid idea!” Irene chimed in, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “I can take her shopping and make a whole girl’s day out of it.” She froze mid-sentence as I shot her a disapproving glare, quickly offering a sheepish smile. “And this time, we won’t wander off without guards.”

“You’ll take extra guards and Beta Taylor,” I instructed firmly, leaving no room for debate.

She nodded, her gaze dropping to her plate, a clear sign of her acceptance.

“Yes, father.”

Walter cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. I felt a twinge of reluctance at the thought of him taking Judy out, but refusing him would require an explanation I wasn’t prepared to give at that moment.

“So, can I get a couple of tickets?” he asked again, his tone earnest.

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the decision settle on my shoulders.

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

“Thanks, Uncle,” he replied, diving back into his meal with renewed vigor.

“This is going to be so much fun!” Irene babbled, her excitement infectious. She continued to chatter away as we enjoyed our dinner, her words a comforting backdrop to the meal.

My gaze wandered back to Walter, lingering a moment longer than it should have. He wore a smile that hinted at his own thoughts, and I knew exactly who occupied his mind—because she was occupying mine as well.

—

**Judy’s POV**

“Two words. Masquerade Gala!” Nan exclaimed, thrusting a flyer into my face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I was leaning against a tree in the campus quad, immersed in my textbook, when she burst onto the scene like a whirlwind.

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