AlphaHayleyDestinedMate

Chapter 465: Treating You as Her Daughter

Hayley’s POV:

Without waiting for her response, I took a moment and added, “If this is about pretending to be her again, I’m sorry, I can’t do it.”

My sister, Freya, suddenly burst into tears, grabbing my hand and pleading desperately. “My family situation is a mess—my dad and brother are still in the hospital, and my mom is my only concern. Please, help me, okay?”

Even though I am a strong, composed Alpha who has endured years of intense and grueling training, I have always had a soft heart. Seeing someone cry in front of me is enough to tug at my emotions. Hera, my wolf, always urges me to be colder and more detached, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Watching Freya break down now stirred my sympathy once again.

She continued, “My mom’s greatest sorrow is losing my sister. When she’s not lucid, she calls out her name and has always thought of you as her daughter. Please, help me one more time. Just pretend to be her in front of my mother. It won’t take much of your time—just one visit a week. I’ll pay you a million as a reward.”

A million might be a life-changing amount for a regular college student, but as the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, with my own expansive business empire, money has never been an issue.

I responded bluntly, “If this is about your filial duty toward your mother, I’m willing to help. But if you’re framing this as a transaction, then I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Freya looked confused. “I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

I clarified, “I can help you because I want to, not because I see this as a deal. I don’t think something as pure as your mother-daughter bond should be reduced to a transaction.”

Freya paused, then nodded solemnly. “I see. I’m sorry if I came across the wrong way. Please don’t misunderstand—I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to show my gratitude in a way I could manage.”

I smiled faintly. “It’s fine. You don’t need to compensate me. I’ll promise to make time for visits during the semester…”

“Thank you so much!” Freya exclaimed, her excitement breaking through her usually composed demeanor as she bowed deeply in gratitude.

I nodded, but she suddenly stood and asked, “Are you free now?”

A few minutes later, I got into the car with Freya, and we drove along a familiar road toward the Sanders’ residence.

Ms. Carson, my mother is in the attic. I’ll take you there now, Freya said, leading the way.

As we entered the house, a staff member approached. Ms. Sander, Mrs. Laurel has returned, they informed her.

Freya stiffened momentarily but quickly composed herself. Turning to me, she said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Carson, my grandmother is back. I need to attend to her. Shall I have the staff take you to the attic?”

“Of course,” I replied.

Freya immediately instructed one of the staff to guide me upstairs before heading off in the opposite direction. I followed the staff member to the top floor. They opened the attic door and gestured for me to enter. “Ms. Carson, please go ahead,” they said.

I nodded slightly in acknowledgment and stepped inside.