Chapter 157: Won’t Go the Way You Want

Hayley’s POV

I set my pen down, surprised someone would come to school looking for me. Curiosity piqued, I stood up and walked out.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I sensed Heras' growing agitation. Looking up, I spotted Irving standing at the far end of the corridor.

My mood soured immediately. I’d been planning to confront him anyway, and now here he was, showing up uninvited.

I walked toward him and asked coldly, “You’re looking for me?”

Irving turned his head to meet my gaze. “Let’s talk,” he said simply before turning to leave.

I hesitated for a moment but decided to follow him. We ended up on a quiet, tree-lined path on campus. Only then did he stop.

“If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out,” I said bluntly, my tone unfriendly.

Irving studied me for a moment before replying, “You didn’t use to talk to me like this, Hayley. Why are we acting like strangers now?”

I couldn’t hold back a bitter laugh. “Irving, do you ever hear yourself? My attitude toward you was always a reflection of yours.”

I crossed my arms and continued, “And then I learned not everything is as it seems—like you. You act so different, but it’s all just a façade. Too bad for you, though, because some things just won’t go the way you want.”

Irving’s lips curved into a devilish smile, his expression as sinister as a demon’s. “Hayley, you can’t fault me for going after what I want. If they won’t give it willingly, why shouldn’t I fight for it?”

“Fight all you want, but don’t you dare use me in the process!” I snapped, my voice low and sharp.

Then I went straight for the jugular. “Everything you’ve done for me so far—it’s all been an act, hasn’t it? You were just using me to achieve some goal of yours.”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “I’ll give you this: your gamble paid off in some ways. But it’s a shame—I’m not interested in you. And I despise people like you, Irving. People who can’t play fair, who always resort to manipulation and scheming.”

I leveled him with a glare. “The thing I hate most is using feelings to get what you want. It’s disgusting.”

Irving’s expression remained calm, not a hint of embarrassment. Instead, he chuckled lightly. “Hayley, you’ve got it all wrong.”

I shot back, “Mr. Irving, we’re not close enough for you to address me so casually.”

He spread his hands and countered, “How do you know it’s all an act? Can’t you believe that I like you?”

“You, with your grand ambitions, would never genuinely like an Omega like me. You’re only interested in my Matus as a member of the Shadow Pack’s ruling family.”

Irving’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me, seemingly searching for a way to argue back.

But I wasn’t about to waste any more time on him. “I don’t know why you’re here today, but let me make one thing clear: whatever your goals are, they have nothing to do with me. If you even think about using me again, I’ll make sure you lose everything.”

My voice was steady and firm, a genuine warning. Her, seething with rage, wanted to lunge at him, but I held her back.

Irving stayed silent, his eyes fixed on me.

“I’m done, Irving. Take care of yourself,” I said before turning to leave.

But just as I started to walk away, he called after me, “Wait.”