Chapter 134: I’ve Been Waiting for You
Hayley’s POV:
Benjamin gripped the steering wheel, responding casually, “No, I just finished up myself.” It was obvious he was lying, and I saw right through it. With his heightened alpha senses, I could tell he’d been sitting there, waiting for me for quite some time. A small surge of happiness and warmth filled my heart.
But remembering Winona, I couldn’t help but ask, “You seem to have a good relationship with Ms. Reese. Did you two know each other before?”
Benjamin raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at me in the rearview mirror, suddenly feeling a bit guilty. I added, “Don’t get the wrong idea. I was just curious. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
He looked back at the road and replied, “She was my junior in college. We’ve known each other since then.”
“Oh,” I murmured softly, the realization hitting me a moment later with an unexpected pang of jealousy.
“Thank you for tonight,” Benjamin said, unexpectedly generous with his praise. “If it hadn’t been for you, Roger wouldn’t have signed the contract so quickly. I didn’t realize you could be so sharp in a pinch.”
I felt a bit embarrassed. “I was just going along with what you were saying. I never expected it would actually help close the deal.”
“I knew Roger was delaying signing because he was trying to match me up with his sister. I didn’t want to address it directly, but thanks to you stepping in, things became much simpler.”
Benjamin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Either way, you made a difference this time. I owe you one. If you need anything in the future, just let me know.”
I smiled and replied, “Alright.” As the car sped along, I looked out the window at the city lights flashing by, feeling a sudden lightness in my heart.
When I got home, I removed my makeup, took a shower, and came out of the bathroom with my hair still damp. As I was toweling it dry, I heard a soft ping from my computer. I walked over, still drying my hair, and the screen lit up.
It was a message from Benjamin: “Ms. Selena, tomorrow the representatives from Mornan will be arriving at Midnight Pack. I’ll send an assistant to go with you, but could you meet them at the airport?”
I quickly sat down, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I typed back an “OK” emoji. After drying my hair completely, I finally went to bed. The next morning, I was up bright and early.
Before heading out, I dressed in my usual old clothes, looking as plain and unassuming as ever. I said a quick goodbye to George and left.
I took a cab to a public restroom, where I changed into a more polished outfit before heading to the airport.
At the airport, I spotted Benjamin’s beta, Tyrone, who walked over as soon as he saw me. “Ms. Selena,” I greet him politely. “How long until the representatives arrive?”
Tyrone checked the time. “About half an hour, give or take.”
I nodded. “Let’s head inside so we’re not keeping them waiting.”
The two of us waited by the exit, but it was over two hours before the plane finally landed.
Holding a sign with the representative’s name, Tyrone waved it in the air. After a moment, a dark-haired woman approached us. “Are you waiting for me?”
I smiled and extended a hand politely. “Hello, Ms. Amy. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” Amy shook my hand briefly. “My team is still coming through the gate. We can go on ahead.”
I nodded and walked with her towards the exit. Along the way, she asked curiously, “Why didn’t Mr. Benjamin come himself?”
I explained politely, “Mr. Benjamin had some work to take care of but will join us later. For now, I’ll take you to your hotel.”
Amy laughed warmly. “Please let him know to bring the wine he mentioned last time when he comes. I’ve been looking forward to it!”
I had no idea what wine she was referring to, but I nodded. “Of course, Ms. Amy. I’ll pass the message along to Mr. Benjamin exactly as you said.”
I escorted Amy to her hotel, while Tyrone handled the rest of her team’s arrival. After arranging her check-in, I was about to leave when Amy stopped me. “Don’t forget to ask the front desk for two room keys,” she said.
Not sure why, but following her instructions, I requested an extra room key from the front desk. After escorting Amy to her room, I took the elevator down and sent Benjamin a message, passing along Amy’s exact words.
Instead of leaving the hotel, I went to the café in the lobby for a coffee. About two hours later, Benjamin arrived.
“Mr. Benjamin!” I greeted him with a respectful nod.
He nodded slightly in return. “Has Ms. Amy come down yet?”
“We agreed to meet her at six, so she should be coming down soon,” I replied.
Benjamin glanced at his watch. “Alright, let’s head over…”
The two of us walked towards the restaurant, with me following a few steps behind him. Suddenly, Benjamin stopped in his tracks…