Chapter 101: Return Directly to the Midnight Pack

Hayley’s POV:

“Tell me, Grandma; I’m here to help,” I reassured her, patting her hand.

She reached into her pocket and retrieved a vintage pocket watch. “This was my wedding present. When I decided to marry your grandpa, my family opposed it. All these years, I never thought to reach out to them, nor do I know how they are doing now.”

It was the first time I’d heard her speak of her family, and I couldn’t help but inquire, “Do you still have relatives back home?”

Grandma replied, “I once had a brother, but we lost touch years ago, so I have no idea how he’s doing. Recently, I heard that they moved to the Midnight Pack. I was hoping you could help me since you’re there now.”

I had a strong inkling of where this was heading. “Grandma, just let me know what you need!”

She glanced at the pocket watch and sighed. “Though I’ve resolutely avoided contacting them all these years, they’ve never left my thoughts. If you get the chance, please check in on them for me.”

I nodded earnestly, “Understood, Grandma.”

She continued, “My brother’s name is Lester Strickland. If you come across him, please send my regards.”

I committed the name to memory. “Don’t worry, Grandma! I’ll make sure to find out about them when I return to the Midnight Pack.”

Her eyes brightened with satisfaction as she hugged me and gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. “Good! Good child! Thank you, Hayz.”

“Grandma, you don’t have to be so formal! If you truly want to see them one day, I can—” My words were interrupted as she interjected, “Let’s not talk about meeting them; just knowing they’re doing well is enough.”

I didn’t quite understand her reasoning, but I respected her wishes and kept this in mind.

After spending the night at home, I bade farewell to my grandparents the next day. Before leaving, I arranged for the albums to be sent to the Southwells through a courier service.

I stepped outside but didn’t return directly to the Midnight Pack. Instead, I changed my appearance and makeup, heading straight to the airport. With the passport my Beta, Thomas, had arranged for me—I noticed it clearly labeled “Selena”—I switched my boarding pass.

Just as I finished changing my boarding pass, my phone rang. I answered it.

“Hello, is this Selena?” It was Benjamin’s voice.

I purposely lowered my tone, adopting a smooth, androgynous pitch. “Yes! Mr. Benjamin, I’m already at the airport.”

I glanced at my boarding pass and explained, “Sorry, Mr. Benjamin, I’m in economy class and can’t board with you. Let’s meet again when we transfer in Aulom.”

However, Benjamin’s Alpha authority subtly pressed through the phone as he insisted, “Come over; I’ll have my assistant arrange an upgrade for you. We can discuss work on the plane.”

Not wanting to resist too much since I was no longer Hayley, I simply agreed. “Okay, see you soon.”

After hanging up, I checked my makeup again, ensuring everything was perfect. At that moment, with my chestnut hair, dark sunglasses, and a casual outfit that still exuded elegance, I looked entirely different from how I dressed in the Midnight Pack.

Confidently, I approached Benjamin and greeted him first. “Hello, Alpha.”

He looked up, his gaze locking onto mine before he stood with impeccable manners. “Hello, Ms. Selena! Since you’re not from our Midnight Pack, you can just call me Mr. Benjamin.”

I nodded with a smile and extended my hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Benjamin.”

Benjamin’s lips curved into a warm smile as he shook my hand. In that moment, something stirred within me; Hera felt a surge of excitement, eager to leap out and rush to him.

I quickly reined her in, not wanting Benjamin to catch on to anything.

Benjamin regarded me with a neutral expression before speaking softly. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Selena. I hope we have a fruitful collaboration in the days to come.”

“Likewise!”

“Ms. Selena, you remind me of someone I know,” he said suddenly, turning to look at me as we walked side by side, his tone heavy with intrigue.

My heart raced. Maintaining my composure, I looked up and asked, “What do you mean?”