Chapter 155: Reached Out

Benjamin’s POV: +8 Pearls

Just as I was about to close the gap between us, my lips mere inches from hers, I forced myself to stop. “Hey! What are you doing?” Lawrence’s voice in my head was filled with disapproval. “You’re reacting more strongly to her. Have you confirmed she’s our destined mate?” I asked him.

“Not yet. Her scent isn’t addictive enough,” Lawrence replied, his tone tinged with disappointment. “And she’s just an Omega. She doesn’t seem like a suitable candidate for Luna.”

I was honest with him. For now, I couldn’t fully accept her as my mate. But I couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward her. For years, I’d carried the responsibilities of being an Alpha on my own—protecting the Midnight Pack and ensuring the success of Southwell Group. I had no idea what it would feel like to have someone quietly standing by my side, supporting me. And now, I found that warmth in Hayley.

As I looked at her, I couldn’t help but smile softly. I tapped my fingers on the desk. “Stop dozing off. Go home and get some rest.”

Hayley’s eyes fluttered open, and when she saw me, she quickly sat up straight. “Benjamin? What are you doing here?”

I pointed at the clock hanging on the wall. “It’s late. You should go home and rest.”

She glanced at the time and gasped. “It’s already 11 PM!” She hurriedly shut her laptop. “I’ll head out now.”

I smiled and offered, “Let me walk you out.”

As soon as we stepped into the elevator, Hayley hesitated before asking, “The Southwell Group isn’t doing well lately. The loss of clients and employee turnover has impacted the company. If this keeps up, the group might…”

She trailed off, but I knew what she meant. Seeing the worry etched on her face, I teased her with a grin. “Do you have so little faith in me?”

Hayley looked at me, puzzled. “Benjamin, can you stop being cryptic? Just say what you mean.”

Chapter 155: Reached Out) +8 Pearls

Unable to resist, I reached out. My hand hovered in midair for a couple of seconds before I gently patted her head. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

“What you need to focus on now is getting a good night’s sleep. Who knows? Things might look different when you wake up tomorrow.”

Hayley’s POV

The warmth of Benjamin’s touch calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain. I didn’t overthink his words.

The next morning, I woke up groggily and realized it was nearly noon. Grabbing my phone, I checked the time and bolted upright in bed. “Why didn’t anyone wake me up?”

I scrambled to get ready, washing up and changing as fast as I could before rushing downstairs. The housekeeper greeted me with a respectful nod. “Ms. Carson, I’ve prepared lunch for you. Please, head to the dining room.”

With Southwell Group—and even the Midnight Pack—in crisis, I wasn’t in the mood to eat. “Leonard, why didn’t you wake me earlier? It’s so late, I’m going to be late!”

Leonard explained, “Ms. Carson, Alpha instructed us not to wake you. He said you stayed up late working last night and needed proper rest. He specifically told us not to disturb you.”

I froze. “Benjamin told you that?”

Leonard nodded. I was stunned. Benjamin had been growing more considerate toward me lately.

“Hayley, our destined mate is starting to fall for you!”

“This is amazing! You’ll be able to bond with him soon—you have to mark him right away!” Hera’s excitement echoed in my mind.

I dismissed Hera’s overenthusiastic fantasies and quickly pushed her thoughts aside. There was no time to dwell on personal feelings right now. “Leonard,” I pressed, “how’s Southwell Group doing today? Have the stocks dropped?”

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