Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 440: If She Finds Out About the Secret

Hayley’s POV:

As I approached the doorway, I spotted Freya and Winifred lingering just outside. The moment Virginia laid eyes on Freya, her entire demeanor shifted. Panic overtook her, and she clung tightly to my hand, pulling me protectively behind her. Her voice rose in a frantic cry. “Stay away! You’re a monster—don’t come near Michelle! I don’t want to see you. Leave us alone!”

Freya’s expression wavered, her lips curving into a faint, strained smile. She took a cautious step forward and spoke softly, “Mom, it’s me, Freya—your daughter.”

“No!” Virginia shouted, her voice trembling with fury. “I have only one daughter, and it’s not you. You’re no daughter of mine—you’re a demon!”

Her words spilled out in a torrent as she released her grip on me and crumpled to the floor, clutching her head as though trying to block out Freya’s presence. Through trembling lips, she whispered frantically, “Michelle… Michelle is my only daughter… not you…”

Freya’s features contorted with visible pain, but she managed to suppress her emotions with a long, weary sigh. Standing nearby, Winifred cleared her throat, her tone measured and calm. “Ms. Sander, this has been her reality for so many years. You should accept this fact already.”

Freya said nothing, though the distress in her eyes was unmistakable. She turned to me, her voice heavy with emotion. “Ms. Carson, you’ve seen how my mom behaves. If it’s hard for you, imagine how it feels for me, her own daughter.”

“If she ever causes you harm or distress, please try to bear with it,” she added, her tone tinged with exhaustion.

I gave her a small nod of reassurance. “I’m fine, Ms. Sander,” I replied, attempting to lighten the mood. I crouched beside Virginia, reaching out to help her up. Yet the instant my hand touched her, she lashed out violently, shoving me away with surprising force.

“Don’t touch me!” she snarled, her face twisted with fear and anger. She glared at me like a cornered animal, teeth bared and trembling. I hesitated, my hand frozen mid-air. Virginia appeared to be fully immersed in her own world.

Slowly, I pulled back, my voice gentle as I tried to reach her. “Didn’t you say you wanted to show me something? Where are we going?”

At the sound of my words, the turmoil in her eyes seemed to settle. Her breathing steadied, and she looked up at me, her gaze searching. “Michelle… Michelle…” she murmured, her voice softening.

Wrapping my arms around her, I whispered, “I’m Michelle.”

A smile broke across her face, and she clung to me as though I were her lifeline. With newfound energy, she rose to her feet, clutching my hand tightly. “Michelle, you’re home. Come with me—I’ve got a surprise for you!” she exclaimed with childlike excitement. With that, she led me down the corridor.

Winifred’s POV:

After Hayley and Mrs. Sander disappeared into the hallway, I leaned toward Freya, my unease bubbling to the surface. “Ms. Sander, is it really wise to leave Mrs. Virginia alone with a stranger? This arrangement feels… risky. What if Mrs. Laurel discovers what’s happening?” I asked cautiously.

Ms. Sander’s expression darkened instantly, her gentle facade replaced by an icy glare that sent a chill down my spine. “What if she does?” Ms. Sander retorted sharply, her voice laced with disdain. “That old hag has one foot in the grave. She can barely keep herself together.”

I glanced around nervously, lowering my voice. “But Mrs. Laurel still controls the family. We can’t afford to take any chances.”

Ms. Sander scoffed, her lips curling into a cold, mocking smile. “I’ve put up with her nonsense long enough. This family is mine to command now.”

“Yes, of course, Ms. Sander,” I said quickly, bowing my head. “But… Ms. Carson is an outsider. If she spends too much time with Mrs. Virginia, what if she uncovers… everything?”

Ms. Sander’s laugh was low and chilling. “She’s an Omega. If she finds out about the secret, I’ll silence her. Permanently. Dead people don’t tell.”

The malice in her tone made my stomach churn, and I couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down my spine. Freya smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Relax. I have no plans to touch her for now. But if she causes trouble and I hear about any gossip, don’t expect me to show mercy.”

With that, she spun on her heel and strode away, leaving me standing there with cold sweat trickling down my temple.

Hayley’s POV:

Virginia guided me through the corridor until we reached a door at the far end. She paused, her face lighting up with an almost childlike excitement. “This is it, Michelle!” she said, her voice brimming with anticipation. “Come on, let me show you.”

She opened the door and stepped inside. As I followed her, my eyes widened in shock at what I saw.