Chapter 242: Goddess Sara

Benjamin’s POV:

If Hayley were a racer, there was no way she’d be an Omega. As I watched her, my mind strangely drifted to two women. One was the woman who had beaten me in a race, and the other was my idol, Sara.

Aris snapped back to reality after a moment, replying, “Just got home; I haven’t had the chance to eat yet.”

Hayley simply nodded and then said, “Let’s go downstairs and eat together.”

We both made our way down the stairs, one after the other. In the living room, the maids had already prepared dinner. At the dining table, no one spoke; we ate in silence.

After finishing, she stood up and said, “I’m done; I’ll head upstairs now.” Without waiting for a response, Hayley made her way upstairs. I watched her go, still not calling after her to ask what was on my mind.

Hayley’s POV:

Something felt off about Benjamin today. His gaze seemed to hold something unsaid. But he remained silent until we finished our dinner. I figured I might just be imagining things.

Back in my room, I opened my laptop, and my email notification popped up. A new message had arrived. I clicked on it—it was from the orphanage director, Willow Snee. She’d written an update on the children and included a financial report for the past month. I quickly reviewed it and found nothing alarming, so I decided to close the email.

Just then, the phone rang. It was the orphanage. “Ms. Carson, the kids miss you so much! Do you have time to come visit them?”

I’d been busy with the Midnight Pack recently and hadn’t had time to see the children. I agreed. “I’m off tomorrow. I can come.”

Willow’s voice lit up with excitement. She said, “The kids will be so happy to hear that! We’ll be waiting for you at the orphanage.”

The next morning, I dressed casually. As I headed out, one of the maids asked, “Ms. Carson, where are you off to?”

I didn’t want George to worry, so I said, “I have a quick errand. If George asks, tell him I’m going to the Hope Orphanage in the north of the city. I’ll be back by the afternoon.”

“Understood, Ms. Carson. Please be safe.”

I stepped outside, called a taxi, and first stopped by a mall to buy toys, snacks, and workbooks for the children. After filling up the entire trunk, I went straight to the orphanage.

The moment the children saw me, they rushed forward. “Hayley, I missed you!” “Hayley, you finally came to see us!”

I smiled at them, my face lighting up with joy. “I missed you all too! Look, I brought you some treats and entertaining toys.”

After that, I handed out the toys and snacks. Each child received something they liked, and their faces lit up with happiness as they eagerly thanked me.

At this time, Willow came out and said, “Ms. Carson, you really shouldn’t spoil us with so many gifts with your visit.”

I linked my arm with hers affectionately and said, “Willow, it’s the least I can do. There’s no such thing as spoiling the kids.”

Years ago, after my parents died, I ran away from home in my grief. It was at that time that I passed by the orphanage, and Willow kindly took me in until my grandparents came to bring me home. I would never forget that kindness. Every year, I send a portion of my money to the orphanage, and I make sure to visit them whenever I can.

“I’m so grateful for your support all these years. Thanks to you, these children have been able to grow up in such a wonderful environment,” Willow said, squeezing my hand in appreciation.

“Hayley, come play with us!” Two children rushed over to pull me along, and I happily joined them in their games.

Benjamin’s POV:

When I arrived outside the orphanage I’ve been feeding, I slowly lowered the context. To my surprise, I saw the woman I least expected—Hayley—joyfully interacting with the children. Lawrence’s calm response reassured me that it was indeed her.

The Hayley I saw now, full of life and happiness, felt unfamiliar to me. This lively and happy Hayley was unlike the serious and poised woman I was used to. I had seen her playful side, but I had never seen her so genuinely joyful. Her smile radiated pure joy—a joy that came from deep within—and it moved me more than I anticipated.

“Alpha, should we go inside?” Tyrone asked me. I hesitated.