The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 264

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 264: Masquerade Gala**

**Judy’s POV**

The Gala unfolded before me in a dazzling spectacle, every bit as enchanting as I had envisioned. Yet, the sheer volume of people was overwhelming. As our sleek limousine rolled to a halt at the entrance, the throng of eager attendees lined up to gain entry, the paparazzi descended upon us like a swarm of bees. Blinding flashes erupted all around, momentarily disorienting me. I felt Walter’s firm grip on my hand, guiding me through the doorway, a protective gesture that both comforted and excited me. The press was relentless, peppering us with questions about Irene’s stunning outfit. Just as one of them turned their attention to me, recognizing the signature style of Ella Venuti, I instinctively opened my mouth to respond, but Irene leaned in close, her voice a hushed warning.

“You really don’t want to engage with them,” she advised, her tone urgent yet calm. “They twist your words and turn them into something ugly.”

I bit my lip, the weight of her words settling in. I nodded, suppressing the urge to speak.

We approached the security guards stationed at the entrance. Ethan confidently produced their invitations, the guard scrutinizing them for a beat before nodding and stepping aside.

Walter followed suit, presenting our tickets. The guard examined them with a practiced eye, then granted us passage with a curt nod. Walter extended his arm to me, and I accepted it with a soft smile, feeling a flutter of anticipation.

The atmosphere inside was electric, the music pulsing through the air like a heartbeat. Everywhere I looked, guests adorned in shimmering gowns and tailored suits swirled around, their identities obscured by elaborate masks. Yet, even without the masks, I doubted I would recognize many faces.

“This place is absolutely breathtaking,” I breathed, my gaze drawn upwards to the cascade of light streamers that danced gracefully across the ceiling. “It’s like a dream.”

“Is this your first Gala?” Walter inquired, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

I nodded, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks under his attentive gaze.

“Is it that obvious?” I teased, trying to deflect the attention.

He chuckled softly. “I suppose it’s a fresh experience for both of us.”

Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never attended one before?”

He shrugged, a casual gesture that belied the deeper truth. “Not an American one, no. I’ve been to a few in France, but this… this is something different. Work keeps me busy, so I rarely go out.”

“What are we supposed to do at these events besides stand here and look pretty?” I asked, a playful lilt in my voice.

He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “We drink and mingle with the affluent,” he replied. My laughter bubbled up at his cheekiness. “Can I fetch you a drink?”

“That would be wonderful,” I replied, feeling a sense of ease wash over me. “Just anything but champagne.”

“Not a fan?” he asked, curiosity piquing his interest.

“Not really,” I admitted, shaking my head.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, winking before he turned to navigate through the crowd toward the bar.

“There you are!” Irene’s voice broke through the noise as she slipped her arm through mine. “Come on; we have a table reserved over here.”

I glanced past her shoulder and spotted Ethan already seated, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach. I swallowed hard, willing my legs to move toward the table, the weight of the night ahead pressing down on me. This was going to be a long, arduous evening.

**Gavin’s POV**

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

“Mr. Landry, who designed your suit?”

“Are you here with anyone special tonight?”

I brushed past the paparazzi, their questions falling on deaf ears. As I reached the security guard, he nodded at me, granting me entry without needing to see my invitation. I stepped past him, pausing only to retrieve my mask from my pocket. I slipped it over my face, an act that felt both liberating and constraining, and continued my way inside.

Truth be told, I was never particularly fond of these extravagant gatherings. However, as the primary sponsor, my presence was expected. The staff darted around, hustling to serve the throngs of elegantly dressed guests. Everywhere I turned, women were preening, puffing out their chests and batting their lashes in my direction. I ignored them, just as I did the paparazzi.

My first stop was the bar. As I approached, I noticed Walter placing an order for drinks. If he was here, then Judy must be as well. Instinctively, my gaze sought her out. She was seated at a table with Ethan and Irene, looking somewhat uneasy. I noticed Irene animatedly chatting while Ethan’s attention was fixated on Judy. A surge of anger coursed through me; Ethan’s gaze should be reserved solely for my daughter.

Was I really going to have to confront him about this again?

And what was Judy thinking? Wearing a dress like that, knowing the kind of men that would be around, especially with her ex-mate in attendance? It was as if she craved his attention.

“Uncle?” Walter’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as he strolled past, drinks in hand.

I turned my scrutiny onto him, nodding curtly, my silence speaking volumes.

“I’m glad you came,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I hope it’s alright that I brought Judy. I know you had reservations about me dating someone from your staff, but Judy is different. I genuinely like her. I might even be in love with her.”

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