Chapter 154: Secret
Hayley’s POV:
I was organizing documents while reviewing clients associated with the Southwell Group. These clients, large and small, had maintained long-term partnerships with the Southwell Group. Yet, one after another, they were now proposing to terminate their contracts. The Southwell Group was, after all, owned by the ruling family of the Midnight Pack. Normally, these clients went out of their way to curry favor with Benjamin. For them to suddenly cut ties, I couldn’t believe there wasn’t something suspicious going on behind the scenes.
As I scanned through the client list, one familiar name jumped out at me—Somer Group. Wasn’t that Thomas’s company? A prominent enterprise in our own Shadow Pack. Even they wanted to sever ties with the Southwell Group? Did Thomas know something?
Without hesitation, I called him. “Thomas!”
Thomas answered promptly, his tone respectful. “Alpha, it’s late. What can I do for you?”
I got straight to the point. I needed to ask him something.
He paused briefly, seemingly understanding what I was getting at. “Alpha, you want to know about the Southwell Group, don’t you?”
“Yes,” I replied. Thomas went silent for a moment before speaking again. “Alpha, hold on. Let me find a more private spot.”
After a while, his voice returned, lower and more serious. “Alpha, if you’re asking about this, I can only tell you that I don’t know much. My father made it clear that this information cannot be disclosed under any circumstances.”
“But because you’re the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, I’ll give you a heads-up: this situation is far more complex than it appears. Benjamin is dealing with much more than just Irving.”
“Irving is likely just a smokescreen. Be cautious within the Midnight Pack. Don’t get caught up in the conflicts between the brothers.”
My heart sank as a troubling possibility crossed my mind. Realizing Thomas didn’t know much else, I decided not to press further.
After hanging up, I gathered my thoughts. One thing was clear: no matter what, I wouldn’t stand idly by while the Southwell Group was in crisis. I absolutely wouldn’t let the Southwell Group collapse.
The next morning, the Southwell Group’s stock continued its downward spiral. Trading began at 10 AM, and it immediately hit the limit, causing panicked shareholders to offload their shares en masse.
When I arrived at the office, the atmosphere was markedly different. The staff was noticeably smaller, with many positions now left vacant. My eyes darkened as I absorbed the gravity of the situation. Without delay, I headed to Benjamin’s office and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he called.
Upon receiving his permission, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Benjamin looked up and greeted me with a smile. “Hi, Hayley.”
Even in the face of such adversity, Benjamin retained his composed, confident demeanor. His calmness exuded the aura of an Alpha, and it somehow put me at ease. Meanwhile, my inner wolf was utterly captivated by him.
“I’ve organized the meeting materials. I’ve also scheduled appointments with a few new clients for you,” I said.
Benjamin smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
I didn’t ask any questions or say anything further. I simply nodded with a polite smile before leaving.
The rest of the day was exceptionally busy. I handled every matter, ensuring everything was addressed with precision. Completely engrossed in work, I lost track of time. Even as night fell, I didn’t stop to rest.
Benjamin’s POV:
By 11 PM, most of the employees had left. Only the lights in the top-floor office remained on. As I stepped out of my office, Lawrence stirred, growing increasingly excited. I let him guide me, following the scent until it led to Hayley’s office. Her scent grew stronger, sharper, as I approached. When I saw her resting on her desk, I felt an uncontrollable pull. The closer I got, the more Lawrence’s excitement surged. My gaze fell to her lips, and before I knew it, I leaned in, completely losing control.