Chapter 132: You’ve Always Held a Special Place in My Heart.

Hayley’s POV:

“Mr. Reese! We should finalize the contract first, then we can drink to our hearts’ content, don’t you think?”

Roger, clearly frustrated by my repeated focus on the collaboration and contract, finally expressed his exasperation. “Ms. Carson, are you suggesting that our primary focus should be signing this contract, after which we can enjoy more casual activities like singing and drinking?”

I nodded. “Of course! Only after we sign the contract can we officially begin our collaboration, right? Until it’s down in black and white, I won’t be at ease.”

Roger cut me off. “Alright, Ms. Carson! Bring out the contract. We’ve already discussed most of the details with your company, and I’ve looked it over—no issues. Let’s sign it right now.”

I hadn’t expected him to be so straightforward. I quickly looked at Benjamin, then reached into my briefcase and pulled out the contract, handing it over promptly. “Mr. Reese, here you go.”

Roger flipped straight to the last page and signed his name with a flourish. “There, now you’re satisfied, right, Ms. Carson?”

I smiled, pleased. “Yes, Mr. Reese! I’ll drink to that.” Saying this, I picked up my glass, clinked it lightly with Roger’s, and downed the contents in one go.

Roger broke into a hearty laugh. “Ms. Carson, you truly are a remarkable woman. I’m impressed!”

As he spoke, he also downed his glass. Then he turned to Benjamin. “Alpha, Ms. Carson here is truly extraordinary. I held off on signing for so long, couldn’t bring myself to do it, but after a few words from Ms. Carson, here I am, signing without hesitation. It seems Ms. Carson is no ordinary person indeed.”

Benjamin responded politely, “Mr. Reese, I believe you’re giving Ms. Carson too much credit. As a key member of the Southwell Group, she’s simply dedicated to ensuring a successful collaboration. It’s her professionalism, not any personal charm, that led to this decisive moment.”

Roger chuckled, “Alpha! I’m really doing this for my sister. My sister’s feelings for you are as clear as day, so obvious that even I, as her brother, can’t stand watching anymore.”

Winona blushed with embarrassment. “Roger, stop that!”

Roger quickly stopped himself. “Alright, I’ll drop it! Your business is your own.”

Winona then turned to Benjamin, her cheeks now a deep shade of red, though her big, watery eyes stayed fixed on Benjamin’s profile. “Ben, please don’t pay any attention to my brother. You’ve always held a special place in my heart.”

Benjamin seemed oblivious to the depth of her emotion, responding with a characteristically playful tease. “Special? Ms. Reese, are you implying I’ve become too special? That I’ve, shall we say, expanded my sphere of influence?”

His tone had a hint of teasing in it, which helped to break the tension. Winona couldn’t help but laugh, “Ben, if that’s how you want to interpret it, then so be it.”

Watching the lighthearted exchange between Benjamin and her, I started to feel incredibly out of place.

To make matters worse, Hera was also becoming very agitated.

Just then, Trista called me. I seized the opportunity to excuse myself. “Alpha, I have something I need to take care of, so I should probably get going.”

No sooner had I said this than Roger interrupted, “Ms. Carson, you can’t be serious! You’ve only just sat down, and now you want to leave? Are you really just here to sign the contract, planning to turn your back on us as soon as the ink’s dry?”

I hurried to explain. “Mr. Reese, you misunderstand. That’s not what I meant.”

But Roger cut me off again. “If that’s not what you mean, then stay, Ms. Carson. No need to rush off. Let’s sit down and have a few more drinks.”

With no other options, I looked to Benjamin for help, but he simply gave me a sly smile, saying nothing.

Resigned, I texted Trista to explain my situation, and before long, she arrived in a hurry with Lillian and Christine in tow.

As the door to the private room swung open, Trista immediately looked over at me. “Hayley, are you alright?”

Roger’s eyes lit up at the sight of the trio of beautiful women who had just appeared. A broad grin spread across his face as he turned to me. “Ms. Carson, are these lovely ladies your friends?”

Trista strode over to me without hesitation and took hold of my arm. “Hayley, let’s go back.”

Relieved, I was just about to leave when Roger stopped me.