Chapter 217: My Godfather
Hayley’s POV:
“Is the person a young guy, probably in his twenties, named Thomas?” I asked.
The bodyguard responded, “Ms. Carson, he’s indeed in his twenties, but we didn’t get a chance to ask his last name.”
I glanced at the time and knew for sure it was Thomas. Turning to Johnny, I said, “Godfather, he’s my friend. Let him go.”
“Friend?” Johnny asked, sounding doubtful. “Hayz, tell the truth. Is this the ‘chosen mate’ you’ve mentioned?”
I quickly clarified, “Godfather, you’re overthinking. He’s just my assistant.”
Johnny looked at me seriously. When he saw my sincerity, he seemed to believe me. He turned to the bodyguard and said, “Go on, bring him in.”
“Yes, boss.”
Thomas was escorted into the room. As soon as he saw me, he rushed over, worry written all over his face. “Alpha, are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Let me introduce you. This is my godfather.”
Thomas was still confused as he looked at Johnny. He glanced at me and whispered, “Why do I feel like I’ve seen this person before?”
I smiled but didn’t explain.
“Hello!” Thomas greeted my godfather respectfully. Then, as if a thought struck him, his eyes widened in surprise. “Y–you’re… the… what’s-his-name?”
Thomas struggled to speak, and I patted his shoulder. This guy was hopeless.
“Alpha, h–he’s that guy who’s on top of the Forbes Global List, the world’s richest man, Johnny Estrada?” Thomas finally exclaimed, nearly breathless.
I nodded lightly to confirm.
Thomas was even more excited now, quickly stepping forward and extending his hand. “Hello, Thomas Somer. I never imagined I’d get the chance to meet you like this. It’s such an honor.”
Johnny couldn’t help but laugh at Thomas’s enthusiasm. He chuckled and said to me, “Hayz, your assistant sure is an interesting one.”
I looked at Thomas and smiled, and he scratched his head, embarrassed.
“Godfather, Thomas only barged in because he was worried about my safety,” I explained.
Johnny smiled and said, “No problem. This young man seems alright. Stay close to Hayz, and help me take care of her.”
Thomas nodded earnestly and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Alpha.”
“Good. Hayz, let’s grab a meal later,” Johnny said, taking my arm as he led me into the villa. Then, as if remembering something, he added, “Since you’ve chosen a mate, it’s about time you bring him over to meet me.”
“Well, Godfather, can we delay this a little?” I was at a loss. Where was I supposed to find a mate?
“No,” Johnny said with a slight grin. “Let’s do it today. Bring him over later.”
“But…” I hesitated, trying to think of an excuse, but Johnny seemed to read me like a book. He leaned in and whispered, “Hayz, if you really don’t have a mate, just tell me. I won’t hold it against you.”
He continued, “Besides, you’ve never really found your destined mate, but Horace seems like a good choice. You have to trust my judgment—you’re like my daughter. Would I ever harm you?”
I clenched my teeth and quickly said, “Godfather, I’ll bring him over later to meet you. As for Mr. Boyd, I think we should just remain friends.”
Those words were blunt. Since I persisted, Johnny didn’t push further.
“Alright then,” he said, smiling. “Bring him tonight, and I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.”
I reluctantly agreed, but inside, I was frustrated. Where was I going to find a mate?
I ran through the options in my mind, considering the Southwell brothers. Henry was out of the question; he wasn’t mature enough. Johnny could scare him off with just a few words. Tanner wasn’t a viable option either, as he was constantly occupied in his design studio. Plus, I didn’t know him well enough. Christopher might be okay, though. The only problem was, how could I ask him to help?
Then, my wolf Hera grumbled inside me, “Oh, darling, why not choose Benjamin? He’s our destined mate!”