The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 293

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 293: Office Surprise**

**Judy’s POV**

The receptionist’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she delivered the news. “He specifically said he doesn’t want Judy Montague to return to his office. Any further questions?”

A chill crept through me, her words slicing through the air like a knife. I stood there, momentarily stunned, my heart pounding in my chest. Had Gavin truly instructed her to keep me out? The very thought sent a wave of hurt crashing over me, and I instinctively took a step back, feeling the weight of dejection settle heavily on my shoulders. The smug satisfaction on her face was unmistakable; she was reveling in my embarrassment, and it was clear she relished her role in this moment.

“You can’t be that surprised,” she continued, rolling her icy blue eyes with an air of superiority. “You were escorted out of this office last time you were here. Obviously, he wouldn’t want you back here.”

I bit down hard on my lip, a futile attempt to suppress the surge of emotions bubbling within me. I nodded, though her words felt like a fog that clouded my mind. Processing this reality was a struggle; my plan had crumbled before my eyes, leaving me feeling more humiliated than I had been when Gavin had rejected me and unceremoniously kicked me out. I turned to leave, knowing that lingering here was pointless, when suddenly, I heard my name being called from a distance. My entire body froze.

“Judy?”

Could this situation possibly get any worse? Not only was I being unceremoniously dismissed from the office building, but now Gavin was here to witness it all, likely ready to send me packing himself, right in front of the receptionist. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, and I realized I could no longer avoid this confrontation. Slowly, I turned to face him, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

“Hello, Alpha,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I was coming to see you, but it seems I’m not allowed here. So, I’ll just—”

“Who said you weren’t allowed here?” he interrupted, his tone sharp and questioning.

I narrowed my eyes at him, then glanced back at the receptionist, who was now beet red and staring up at him with wide eyes.

“You told me to tell her she wasn’t allowed back here if she were to ever return,” she reminded him, her voice trembling slightly.

Gavin’s gaze fell on her, his lips forming a deep frown as he studied her.

“That was then,” he said, his voice low and tense. “Things have changed since then, and I’m pretty sure I already ripped that reminder off your desk.”

Her eyes darted to her notepad, and I could see the panic rise in her as she realized the note was gone.

“Next time you don’t call me first, you’re fired,” he growled, making her visibly tremble in her seat.

It was her turn to look embarrassed now, as she stammered, “Y…yes, Alpha,” her gaze fixed firmly on the desk, avoiding mine as if it were on fire.

Without warning, Gavin reached out, grasping my hand firmly, and pulled me along with him. We walked in silence, an unspoken tension hanging heavily between us. Even in the elevator, the air was thick with unsaid words, and I could feel my heart racing as we ascended to his office floor.

When we finally reached his office, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk with an air of casual confidence. His eyes narrowed, a smirk dancing on his lips as he regarded me.

“So, what honor do I have for this visit?” he asked, his curiosity evident.

A flush crept across my cheeks, and I suddenly found myself questioning the wisdom of my decision to come here. This wasn’t exactly the ideal start, and now that we were alone, a new wave of nerves washed over me.

“I… uh…..” I stammered, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, my heart racing.

He raised an eyebrow, taking me in with an intensity that made my breath hitch. His gaze traced my face before dropping to the trench coat I wore, and I could see the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

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