The young Master's little prey

Her new beginning

CHAPTER 19



Judy found herself at a crossroads in her life, grappling with the consequences of leaving the Wilson residence. She reassured herself that it wasn't entirely her fault; her father and stepmother had created an unbearable atmosphere that made her departure necessary. Despite her self-justifications, Judy felt a pang of guilt, knowing that her mother would have disapproved of her decision. She had often regarded the butler as a father figure, yet the weight of her family's dysfunction pressed heavily on her.



Her time at the Wilson home had become intolerable following her father's remarriage to Agnes, who had brought in a child he had with her father along with her. The environment had turned toxic, filled with insults and disdain aimed at her by Agnes. Judy often marveled at her mother's resilience amidst the slights and snide remarks. It sparked a determination within her to uncover the underlying reasons for the hostility she faced and while her mother had chosen to endure.



Judy's thoughts often wandered to the family beyond the Wilsons that she hardly remembered. Although her childhood memories were hazy, she discovered a nugget of hope in her preschool books—a faded photograph of a jolly elderly man she identified as her grandfather. Curiosity stirred within her, yet every inquiry about him was met with discomfort from her mother, Elizabeth, who had been unusually tight-lipped about that side of her family.



Taking her first bold step towards reconnecting, Judy left the Wilson household behind, but she was acutely aware that her journey was only beginning. Her immediate goals were twofold: first, to win the prestigious Avat International Fashion Competition, which would catapult her into a world she dreamed of; second, to seek out her maternal relatives and understand her heritage. 



Despite her fears about moving in with a stranger, Judy felt a reassuring sense of safety under the watchful eye of her new boss, who had offered her a unique opportunity as his contract wife. His kindness fueled her hopes, and she resolved to pour her heart and soul into the competition, believing that with diligence and determination, success was within her grasp.



As she climbed out of bed, she reminded herself of the necessity of this transition. Judy made her way to the door leading to the restroom, which the one-eyed man had explained to her earlier. Once inside, she surveyed the neatly arranged toiletries—though not her chosen brands, she couldn't afford to be picky. Gratitude washed over her as she reflected on how many other women could have occupied this space as his contract wife, yet her boss had chosen to help her. 



The feeling of being supported, even in this small manner, made Judy recognize the power of her newfound independence and the opportunities lying ahead. She embraced her situation, reminding herself that complaining was not an option; she had a chance to redefine her life, make her mark in fashion, and delve into the mysteries of her ancestry. 



As the reality of her circumstances settled in, Judy felt a surge of motivation. She was determined to excel in the competition and finally break free from the suffocating grip of her past. With each step forward, she knew she was not just leaving the Wilsons; she was embarking on a quest for self-discovery, family reorientation, and the fashion success she had always yearned for.

As she peeled off the nightwear given to her by the boss—who had not anticipated a female guest—she wrapped a white towel around her body, a remnant from the mansion, before heading to the bath. Upon returning to her room, she discovered that the night wear she had discarded along with her previously worn dress had been taken away. In their place, neatly laid out on the bed, was a new dress along with various women’s items she might need. Realizing the gravity of her situation, she scanned the room cautiously, wondering if unseen cameras were monitoring her every move. The efficiency of her surroundings raised uncomfortable questions about privacy.



Meanwhile, in the dining area, Julius and Matthew were engaged in a serious discussion, diving deep into topics pertinent to their ongoing business negotiations. However, their conversation abruptly halted as they heard delicate footsteps descending the stairs. The sound of her approach seemed to shift the atmosphere, indicating the conversation's sensitivity. Julius turned just in time to catch sight of her; her steps were so gentle they might have disturbed an ant beneath her feet. He noted that the flowing gown he had instructed his butler to retrieve was indeed quite flattering on her, striking a balance between elegance and modesty.



Judy made her way towards the men at the dining table, instinctively gravitating towards Julius, the individual who had struck the deal with her and, therefore, the one she felt most comfortable with in this unfamiliar environment. Her mind briefly flickered back to the bald-headed man adorned with a piercing, last seen with Julius at a cafe. She also recalled the one-eyed butler in the house, his stoic demeanor reminded her of Mr. Davis; yet, while Mr. Davis had offered her smiles, the butler seemed perpetually devoid of any warmth or cheer.



"Good morning," she greeted the men, uncertainty threading through her voice as she pondered how her daily life would unfold moving forward. Matthew, quick to respond, rose from his chair with a bright smile, pulling out another chair for her. He extended his hand for a handshake, introducing himself gently, "You can call me Matthew, welcome to the house." His cordial demeanor contrasted sharply with the piercing daggers thrown his way by Julius, whose expression was a mixture of caution and protectiveness.



Judy accepted the handshake, appreciative of Matthew’s attempt to put her at ease amid the strange environment. She glanced briefly at Julius, who seemed unamused by Matthew's affable nature but carried an air of authority that made her both curious and wary. 



Judy hesitated, managing a shy smile as she faced a man who appeared friendlier than her boss. "Judith Wilson," she introduced herself while extending her hand for a handshake. The man waved off her formality, saying, "No need for that; the boss has told me so much about you already." Judy’s thoughts turned to her boss, Julius, as she briefly exchanged glances with him, curious about the extent of the information he had shared.



Julius, sensing the awkwardness, interrupted, "You mean you've done quite a bit of digging into her profile, I believe?" His unfiltered words caught Judy off guard, widening her eyes in discomfort. Matthew, the friendly man, chuckled lightly, pretending to scratch his head in a casual manner, easing some of the tension