Chapter 295: Just an Amateur

Hayley’s POV:

Seeing Benjamin’s surprised expression, I simply replied, “I know a little.”

Ivana quickly realized she’d slipped and immediately sent me a mental message: Wait, Benjamin doesn’t know about your other identities? Sorry, it slipped. She shot me an apologetic glance, then quickly added, “I was just joking. Hayz’s skills are pretty basic; it’s better left to a professional designer.”

Though Ivana said this, Benjamin still gave me a skeptical look, clearly unconvinced. I helplessly avoided his gaze.

After dropping Ivana off at the Southwells, she couldn’t wait to get out of the car and threw herself into her grandmother’s arms, saying, “Mominy, I missed you so much!”

Once Ivana arrived, the house felt noticeably livelier. Even Grandpa and Grandma’s smiles seemed brighter.

A week passed quickly. One morning, Benjamin sent me a message: “Get downstairs after you wake up; I’m waiting for you in the parking lot.”

Still half-asleep, I reached for my phone. Reading his message, any trace of sleepiness disappeared. Hera began to stir, excited. Following her lead, I rolled out of bed, walked over to the window, and opened the curtains. Sure enough, I saw Benjamin in the yard. Was he up to something so early in the morning?

After getting dressed and freshening up, I went downstairs and stepped outside. “What’s going on? You need something?”

Benjamin looked at me and opened the car door. “Get in. I’m taking you somewhere.”

I saw the mysterious look on his face, a little suspicious, but I still got in the car. Soon, the vehicle started, and we drove off.

Benjamin took me to Tanner’s studio. “Welcome! Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked.

Benjamin nodded and said, “I’m here to see Tanner. He should be in.”

Hearing this, the receptionist immediately said, “Please wait, I’ll call him for you.”

Just as she finished speaking, Tanner walked out. He greeted Benjamin respectfully and then turned his attention to me. His gaze seemed a little uneasy, but he still managed to say, “Luna, you can come in.”

At this point, the receptionist realized Benjamin was the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, who kept his identity hidden. She quickly bowed to him. “Alpha.”

I wasn’t quite used to the title yet, so I quickly corrected Tanner and said, “Ben hasn’t formally announced me as Luna. Just call me Hayz.”

Tanner nodded, and Benjamin gently took my hand and led me inside.

This was my first time in Tanner’s company. It was filled with various fabrics, machines, and mannequins wearing different styles of clothing.

Tanner led us to his office and then handed me a stack of design sketches. “Hayz, take a look at these. These are the initial designs for your gown. I also made a finished version for you to try. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like changed, and I’ll adjust it accordingly.”

Though Tanner spoke politely, his condescending look made me feel like he didn’t expect me to have any useful feedback. After all, I was just an amateur to him.

“So, all this time, you just brought me here for this?” I asked Benjamin.

He looked at me and replied, “Aunt Ivana told me you had an interest in fashion, so I thought if you could design your own gown, it would be something really meaningful.”

A warmth spread in my chest, and I said, “Thank you!”

I flipped through the design sketches. I had to admit, Tanner’s skills were impressive. His gowns ranged from elegant and dignified to playful and cute. Each design was distinct, showing his deep expertise.

Finally, my gaze landed on one design. “This one’s nice,” I said.

Tanner smiled and said, “Hayz, you have good taste. This gown is the one I designed especially for you, tailored to your unique presence. The finished version I mentioned is this one. Would you like to see it?”

I was surprised Tanner had guessed my taste so accurately. “Sure, let’s see it.”

Tanner led us to an adjacent hall. In the center of the room stood a mannequin covered in white cloth. Tanner approached and pulled it away, revealing an exquisite gown before our eyes.

I stared, amazed, at the design that had just been on paper, now brought to life. The gown, from its design to its fabric and craftsmanship, was flawless.

“Hayz, would you like to try it on?” Tanner asked, noticing my interest.

I nodded, and Tanner asked his assistant to escort me to the dressing room.

Tanner’s POV:

After Hayley left, it was just Benjamin and me. I couldn’t help but sigh. “Hayley’s body is perfect for the gown, no doubt. It will look stunning on her, but…”

At this point, I hesitated but still spoke frankly, “Her face, though… it’s not the most beautiful. We’ll need the makeup artist to work extra hard on her that day.”

I hadn’t even finished speaking when Benjamin shot me a furious look, his Alpha aura radiating intense pressure.