Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate

Chapter 344: A Question for You

Hayley's POV:

Teri turned around and asked, “Ms. Carson, is there anything else you need?”

I paused my drawing and slowly looked up at her. Her eyes were as clear and innocent as usual, but as an Alpha, my sharp instincts told me something felt off about her today.

“Teri, I need to ask you something,” I said, studying her closely.

Teri nodded. “Of course, Ms. Carson. What’s on your mind?”

I examined her carefully. “Yesterday, something went missing from my office. Did you happen to see anyone come in during lunch?”

As soon as I spoke, Teri’s face showed genuine surprise. “You lost something? What was it? Is it valuable?”

“We’ve never had anything like this happen here. Maybe you should check again.”

I looked at her, then spoke deliberately. “It’s not valuable, but it’s missing. Maybe I should report it to the police.”

“This thief is despicable,” I said. “I remember the Midnight Pack’s laws—serious theft means the criminal will lose their wolf. They’ll be less than human.”

Teri’s expression didn’t change.

“Ms. Carson, don’t you think contacting the police is a bit extreme? If it’s just a small item, maybe it’s not worth involving the police. After all, it might affect the studio’s reputation.”

I couldn’t help but sneer inwardly, already suspecting her involvement. But I said nothing and simply nodded. “You’re right. It’s not important. But I won’t let the thief get away. You can go now.”

I noticed a slight tremor in Teri’s body before she walked out without saying anything further. Once she was gone, I clenched my hands in frustration.

Teri’s POV:

After leaving Hayley’s office, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, patting my chest. Just then, I saw Madeline walking in with an unfamiliar woman.

I quickly approached her. “Ms. Kilmer, what brings you here?”

Madeline glanced at me with a neutral expression before saying, “Is your boss here?”

I led Madeline to Timmer’s office.

Tanner’s POV:

When I saw Madeline, a wave of irritation washed over me.

“Tanner!” Madeline greeted me with a smile, and I gave a brief nod in return. We had grown up together, so we were familiar with each other. But after the last incident, I couldn’t look at her the same way. The warmth I once felt had faded, replaced by mere politeness.

“The dress you asked us to design isn’t ready yet. There’s no need for you to visit the studio so often. I’ll let you know when it’s done,” I said, keeping my tone cold.

Madeline smiled. “Don’t be so serious. Do I look like I’m here to rush you? Actually…” She gestured to the designer beside her. “You must know this designer.”

I glanced up at the woman next to her, squinting. She was the one whose design matched Hayley’s. If I hadn’t seen Hayley’s work first, I might have thought Hayley copied her. But I knew Hayley’s design came first, and I trusted her integrity. Benjamin would never pick someone to be the Luna of the Midnight Pack who would resort to plagiarism. That trust, though hard to explain, was unshakable in my mind. So, when I saw the woman Madeline had brought, I felt nothing but disdain.

I asked curtly, “Who is this?”