Chapter 380: Shadow Pack’s Affairs

Hayley’s POV:

83% + 8 Pearls

Thomas quickly responded, “Maybe he had an emergency, or something unexpected came up. Don’t worry too much, Alpha.”

I nodded quietly, staring out the window. Thomas, being perceptive, must have noticed I wasn’t feeling great. Not knowing exactly how to comfort me, he changed the topic.

“Alpha, your popularity is through the roof. Around eight of the top ten trending topics on Twitter and Instagram are about your fan meeting today.”

“Take a look at these comments. Everyone’s saying they can’t wait for your return.”

I pulled my attention away from the window and took out my phone to check Instagram. As Thomas had said, the top ten trending topics were filled with news about me. There were also tons of fans sending me private messages, asking when I’d return. I looked at them, smiled slightly, and turned the phone off.

“Thomas, do you think I should think about coming back, at least not to disappoint everyone?” I asked after a moment of thought.

I had just finished speaking, and the car suddenly screeched to a halt. He sounded panicked. “No! Alpha, what about the company? What about the Shadow Pack? You promised you’d leave it to us for just half a year, but it’s already stretched into one or two years. Now you’re suggesting it might go on even longer?”

I could hear the desperation in his voice, so I quickly reassured him, “Relax, I was just thinking out loud. I don’t have any plans to go back to the industry right now.”

Thomas seemed to calm down a little. “I’m glad you feel that way. But, Alpha, are you going to skip the ugly makeup today?”

I glanced at myself in the mirror. I had originally planned to be upfront with everyone today. Now that Benjamin is missing, I nearly forgot about it. But since I had already decided to be honest, I figured I should just go with my real look from now on.

“No need. Let’s just head back,” I instructed.

“Okay.”

Thomas took me to the Southwells’ Residence. Christine and Christopher were already there. As soon as I stepped out of the car, Christine rushed up to me. Standing beside her, Christopher looked at my face and asked seriously, “Are you truly Hayley?”

I smiled at them and replied casually, “What do you think?” With the same voice, tone, and expression, who else could I be but Hayley?

“But your face… how is this possible?” Christopher frowned, still in disbelief.

He then spoke honestly, “I remember the first time I saw you, I made fun of you for being unattractive. Even though I eventually realized your talent, I still thought you weren’t that good-looking.”

“But looking at you now, I can only ask—where’s the ugliness? You’re a real beauty! Even the top Hollywood stars would be jealous of you!” Christopher spoke with excitement, making my appearance sound even more impressive than it was.

When he finished, Christine grabbed my hand, equally excited, and said, “Hayley, this is such a huge surprise! You’re stunning! But the biggest news is that you’re Harmony! That’s mind-blowing! I feel like I’m going to burst from happiness! Imagine going to school and coming home with Harmony every day. It’s incredible!”

I couldn’t resist teasing her a bit, “Is it that exaggerated?”

Christine nodded eagerly. “Yes! You have no idea! My heart’s been racing the whole time!”

I grinned and reached out playfully. “Let me check.” Christine leaned in quickly, and we shared a moment of silent laughter.

I nodded seriously. “Yep, I can feel it!”

She smiled warmly at me. “Hayley, you look so beautiful when you smile. I didn’t know you could be this charming! Too bad I’m not a lesbian, or I’d choose you as my mate.”

I patted her head and laughed. “If you’re a man in your next life, I’ll marry you.”

“Deal!” Christine said, grinning.

I nodded and smiled back. Then, I glanced at Christopher. He still looked shocked, and I didn’t think it was the right time to explain anything. After all, I hadn’t revealed my Alpha identity to them yet. I hadn’t told them about my Alpha identity yet, and there were other identities I needed to reveal slowly.

Suddenly, something crossed my mind. I looked directly at Christopher.