Chapter 470: Not Allowed to Leave
Hayley’s POV:
“Who are you to tell me where I can walk?” Mrs. Laurel snapped at the servant, her sharp teeth bared in frustration and anger.
Despite her fierce demeanor, the servant remained calm, steadfastly maintaining his stance. “Madam, I am not in a position to command you, but we are obliged to follow the instructions given by the young lady. If you have any concerns, it might be best to discuss them directly with her.”
Stepping in, I tried to ease the situation. “We’re just going for a little stroll; what’s the need for such tight restrictions? Besides, she didn’t say that I couldn’t leave.”
“It’s true. You are free to go, Mrs. Carson,” acknowledged another voice, as Freya approached with an air of grace, causing the staff to step aside with a noticeable shift in respect. The contrast in how they treated Mrs. Laurel and Freya was stark.
I challenged Freya, visibly upset. “Ms. Sander, Mrs. Laurel and I were just enjoying each other’s company and wanted to take a walk. Is there a problem with that?”
Freya offered a disarming smile. “Ms. Carson, it appears there’s been a misunderstanding about why I asked you here. I called you to look after my mother, not my grandmother.”
She paused briefly, her tone shifting. “Upon reflection, I realize that my decision may have been too hasty. Let’s just leave it here. You don’t need to come by anymore.”
At that moment, Freya’s true nature became clear to me. Her earlier gentleness and apparent kindness were nothing more than a facade. I had truly underestimated her ability to perform! No wonder Hera was so repelled by her presence.
“Fine, Ms. Sander! I guess this means we won’t be seeing much of each other going forward,” I responded firmly.
“Oh, but we will. You’re the designer of my wedding dress, so if any adjustments are needed, I’ll have to call on you!” Freya said, giving a signal to Winifred.
She promptly stepped up, pulling Mrs. Laurel away from me. “Madam, it’s better you come inside with me. It’s quite windy out here.”
Mrs. Laurel resisted fiercely. “Don’t touch me! Back off!”
“Please, madam, don’t make this difficult,” Winifred responded, her voice devoid of any real respect. She then signaled to a couple of beta bodyguards who came and forcibly escorted Mrs. Laurel away.
Watching this unfold, I clenched my fists and muttered under my breath, “What are you doing?” They were manhandling an elderly woman, showing no pretense of courtesy or respect.
“It seems you are not used to dealing with the elderly,” Freya commented coolly.
“So what?” I challenged, raising an eyebrow.
Freya smirked wickedly. “My grandmother is at an age where she can easily get confused. If no one keeps an eye on her and something happens, who will be held accountable?”
“Can you, as an Omega, really take on that responsibility?”
I was left speechless. After all, this was their family issue, and as an outsider, I really shouldn’t get too involved. However, I could not just stand by and watch as Mrs. Laurel was being mistreated.
“I believe you have good intentions, but we all know the road to disaster is often paved with them. Are you familiar with the legal consequences of elder abuse?”
I let my Alpha presence fill the room, fixing Freya with a steady gaze. Before she could respond, I pressed on, “Ignoring the wishes of the elderly, confining them, restricting their freedom, and subjecting them to mental stress can lead to severe legal repercussions, including the potential stripping of a werewolf’s wolf.”
“Losing one’s wolf is akin to a living death for us.”
“Be very careful how you proceed,” I warned her in a firm, matter-of-fact tone.