Chapter 460: Revealed All Benjamin Needed to Know
Hayley’s POV:
I halted in my steps and turned around, curious about the voice calling me. Winifred stood a few paces away, bowing politely. I raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Winifred, what brings you here?”
With a respectful tone, she replied, “I was told to invite you over as a guest. I was sent to fetch you.”
Benjamin, who had been standing beside me, gave Winifred a curious glance. His voice was laced with inquiry. “Who sent you?”
Winifred nodded and answered, her voice calm, “The Sanders.”
Her brief response revealed all Benjamin needed to know about who she represented. The Sanders held an illustrious name in North Annestone’s high-ranking werewolf society. Once upon a time, they had even produced an Alpha King. However, those glory days were behind them, and now, the Sanders were mired in internal conflict, struggling to maintain their former power.
I glanced at Benjamin, noticing his expression shift into something more serious and tense. “I’m sorry,” I said to Winifred. “Please let Ms. Sander know that I won’t be able to attend today.”
Winifred looked at Benjamin, who remained quiet and steady by my side. She seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if caught off guard by the force of his Alpha presence. After a brief pause, she composed herself and nodded politely. “Understood, Ms. Carson. I’ll come back another day to arrange a different time with you.”
I nodded and climbed into Benjamin’s car without further delay. Once the engine hummed to life, I didn’t wait for him to ask me anything. I spoke up first, “Ms. Sander is one of my clients. She ordered a custom wedding dress from Tanner’s studio.”
Benjamin’s face remained serious, but a hint of caution laced his voice. “Don’t get too involved with the Sanders.”
I nodded, agreeing. I wasn’t eager to be dragged into their affairs. “I’ll keep my distance.”
As the car cruised through the city, I gazed out at the skyline, which seemed to have a different feel now. Everything looked the same, but somehow, I saw it all in a new light.
The car soon entered a luxurious villa district on the east side of town. We arrived at the furthest villa, and the car smoothly came to a stop in front of it. As soon as the engine fell silent, a servant approached, bowing respectfully to Benjamin. “Alpha.”
Benjamin stepped out of the car, gently pulling me with him. He gave a small nod to the servant, his face devoid of emotion. “Alpha, please follow me,” the servant said, leading us inside.
We entered the grand villa, passing through elegant halls and making our way to the back garden. I spotted a woman in the distance, trimming branches from some plants with scissors. “Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Southwell has arrived!”
The woman turned at the sound of her name, and a smile lit up her face as she saw Benjamin. “Ben, you’re here.” Her gaze then shifted to me, her smile widening even further. “Ah, so you must be Hayley.”
I was surprised that she knew my name but quickly greeted her. “Hello, Mrs. Robinson!” She set the scissors down and handed them to a servant nearby. “Hayley, Ben calls me Aunt Shereen, so you can do the same.”
I returned her smile. “It’s a pleasure, Aunt Shereen.”
“I’ve heard so much about Ben’s beautiful fiancée,” Shereen Robinson continued, her eyes scanning me with admiration. “Now that I see you in person, I can say the rumors didn’t do you justice.”
I blushed a little, feeling a bit shy. “You’re too kind.”
Shereen chuckled, urging, “Come on. Take off your mask. Let me see the woman who’s captured Ben’s heart and been chosen to be the Luna of the Midnight Pack.”
I suddenly realized I was still wearing my mask and felt a bit self-conscious. “Sorry, Aunt Shereen. I’m just used to wearing it.”
I quickly removed it, revealing my naturally delicate features. But as soon as I did, Shereen’s smile froze. Her eyes widened, and she pointed at me in shock, “Y–you…!”