Chapter 19: Becoming a Rogue

Hayley’s POV

The next morning, as soon as I got up, I heard Henry’s shocked voice. “Eloise disappeared overnight! It’s even making headlines!”

I chimed in, “She must have felt guilty and ran away.”

Henry didn’t think much of this and immediately started praising Benjamin. “That’s right. Once my brother steps in, nothing is too tough for him.”

“It wasn’t me,” Benjamin said coldly. “Leaving the pack and becoming a rogue outside is incredibly risky. She must have realized that,” he pointed out, staring at me. “Hayley, you seem to have known about this already.”

I maintained a calm expression and met his gaze. “I just found out too. If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have spent the night so restless.” I pretended to rub my head as if trying to ease the tension.

Benjamin frowned and glanced at me but chose not to say anything further.

Back at school, everyone was talking about Eloise’s disappearance. After that, no one dared to bother me anymore. It felt almost like the old days when I was the Alpha of the Shadow Pack—like I was finally back in my element.

As time passed, I considered moving out and living away from the Southwells. Fewer interactions with them might mean fewer problems. But George rejected my idea. “Come back here. I’ll set up a meeting for you all again.”

I wasn’t enthusiastic about the arranged marriage. I was about to go without dressing up, but George stopped me. “Hayley, I’ve bought you many new clothes. You should dress up a bit before you come. I’ve also arranged for a makeup artist for you.”

I immediately declined. “I can handle it myself. No need to bother others. I was worried that if someone did my makeup, my disguise might be revealed.”

In the dressing room, I touched up the previous unattractive makeup. It looked better than before, so it should be fine.

After dressing up, a driver took me to the Southwells’ residence. When Benjamin and Henry saw me dressed up, they looked surprised. George seemed pleased with my appearance.

Not keen on being pushed into this meeting, I chose a spot in a corner, hoping to stay out of the way. However, George directed me to sit next to Christopher. “You two have met before but haven’t had the chance to get to know each other. Take today as an opportunity.”

Christopher looked at me with a forced smile and greeted me politely, “Hello.”

I responded with an indifferent glance and greeted lightly, “Hello.”

He immediately turned displeased. As a big star, he was used to fans being thrilled to talk to him. But I, a country bumpkin, didn’t even give him another glance.

Trying to strike up a conversation, Christopher asked, “Have you seen any of the shows I’ve been in?”

Seeing his smile, I rolled my eyes under his expectant gaze. “Nope.”

Christopher seemed dissatisfied. “Do you have a favorite actor? I could introduce you.”

I rolled my eyes again. My aunt was a Hollywood star and a Best Actress winner. Which celebrity hadn’t I met before?

“I’m not interested,” I said flatly.