Chapter 160: Evenly Balanced
Hayley’s POV:
“We need to establish a contract. You have to follow my arrangements. If you break the rules, the agreement becomes null and void. On the other hand, if you follow my methods diligently, I can guarantee your progress in learning.”
Henry didn’t hesitate. “Alright; I agree. I’ll draft the contract as soon as I get back. Just wait and see.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You better think this through. Once it’s signed, there’s no backing out.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t regret it,” he replied confidently.
Once we arrived at the Southwells’ residence, Henry bolted upstairs, heading straight for the study. I walked in at a leisurely pace. The housekeeper greeted me respectfully, “Ms. Carson, welcome back!” I shrugged off my coat and handed it to her.
She quickly added, “All four young masters, including the Alpha, are home today. They’re in the backyard with Old Mr. Southwell. Would you like to join them?”
Hearing that all four Southwell brothers were home was a surprise. They were usually so busy that it was rare for them to gather together.
“I’ll head over myself,” I replied.
Making my way to the backyard, I saw Benjamin playing chess with George. Christopher and Tanner stood nearby, offering strategic advice like rival tacticians. The scene was surprisingly harmonious.
“George!” I called out as I approached.
George looked up quickly. “Hayley, you’re back! Come over here and take a look at this. Ben’s chess has improved so much, I’m barely keeping up.”
I glanced at the board. The match was evenly balanced with no clear winner yet.
“Grandpa, don’t cheat,” Tanner joked, laughing as George sought my opinion.
George chuckled. “Relax, I’m not cheating. I just want Hayz to give me some insight.”
I grinned. “George, you’ve got a decent chance of winning this one. Play it steady, and you’ll pull through.”
George’s face lit up. “See? You’re always the clever one!”
We gathered around the board, chatting and laughing while the game progressed. In the end, George clinched victory over Benjamin by a slim margin.
“Hello, everyone. Dinner is ready!”
George, still beaming from his win, announced, “Alright, let’s head to the dining room.”
Just as we reached the entrance, Henry suddenly leaped down from upstairs, grabbing my arm and pulling me away in a rush.
“Boss, can you check if there’s anything wrong with this? If there is, let me know right away.” He handed me a printed document. I’ll fix it.
I glanced at the densely packed tables and clauses laid out on the page. Henry had somehow managed to include every single detail. His efficiency surprised me. He had written all of this in just an hour.
“Boss, what do you think? Say something!” Henry pressed, eager for my feedback.
I looked at him seriously. “Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”
Without hesitation, Henry nodded. “Don’t worry, this is entirely my choice.”
After considering for a moment, I nodded. “Alright, let’s do it. Hand me the pen.”
Henry quickly passed me a pen. I took it and signed my name without delay. Seeing my signature, Henry’s face lit up with a wide grin.
Once I’d finished, I handed the document back to him. “Here, it’s signed.”
Henry took it like he was holding a priceless treasure. “Haha, Boss, please take care of me from now on!”
I nodded. “What are you standing around for? Go eat.”
Henry chuckled, his enthusiasm unabated. “Got it!”
We all sat together at the dining table, and I felt a sense of warmth I hadn’t experienced in a long time. But my gaze couldn’t help but drift to Irving’s empty seat, a stark reminder of his absence.
George looked around at us and spoke. “Having everyone back for a meal like this fulfills one of my wishes. Our family has come this far thanks to the support of you brothers. Since you were young, I’ve always taught you to be harmonious, united, and loving. Now, seeing you embody those values fills me with pride. I hope that in the future, you’ll only grow stronger together.”
Benjamin’s expression darkened slightly before he was the first to speak. “Don’t worry. We will.”
Tanner chimed in next. “Grandpa, we’re family – always. We’ll do everything we can to protect the Midnight Pack.”
Christopher nodded in agreement. “Rest assured, both the Midnight Pack and the Southwells will only grow better and stronger.”
Henry looked at everyone before declaring resolutely, “Grandpa, Benjamin, Tanner, Christopher. I’ll work hard to catch up to you all. I won’t be a burden anymore. I want us to always stay together as a family.”
Watching them, I felt an indescribable emotion welling up inside me. Maybe this is what family is – an irreplaceable bond of blood and kinship. At that moment, a few things became clear in my heart.
“Alright, it’s not often that we all gather like this. Let’s make sure to cherish these moments,” George said with a smile.
Then, as if something had just occurred to him, he added, “Oh, there’s one more thing I almost forgot to mention.”