Chapter 498: The Destined Mate
Hayley’s POV:
Odessa thought she could use her status as a high-ranking wolf to intimidate me into obeying her. What a pity—I wasn’t truly an Omega. I was an Alpha, brimming with pride and confidence. My wolf, Hera, possessed strength that shielded me from anyone’s threats, including Benjamin’s mother. Even though Benjamin and I were facing some minor issues at the moment, my determination to stay by his side remained unwavering because we were the destined mates chosen by the Moon Goddess.
“You’re clinging to Ben just because he’s the Alpha of Midnight Pack, aren’t you?” she taunted.
“You’re hoping to marry Ben and become his Luna so people will respect you. But let me make this clear—I will never approve of your engagement to him!”
Ignoring her sarcasm, I remained calm and replied evenly, “Whether or not I marry Benjamin is a matter between the two of us. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Both Benjamin and I have chosen each other as our mates. We don’t need anyone’s approval. Even if Benjamin didn’t have a wolf, as long as I’ve chosen him, I won’t let go!” My tone was resolute, leaving no room for compromise. If love could be compromised, then nothing in this world would remain pure.
Odessa snorted coldly and snapped, “You’ve got quite the silver tongue, don’t you? No wonder Ben is bewitched by you.”
“Enough talk. I’ve already transferred 100 million to your account. Out of respect for the late George, that’s the most I’m willing to give you. Don’t expect another cent. Even if you and Ben do get married someday, I’ll demand a prenuptial agreement. The Southwells’ money won’t have anything to do with you. So, take the money and leave Ben while you still can!”
She bared her sharp fangs at me, her expression darkening as she issued a warning. “Otherwise, I’ll make sure to teach you, this shameless Omega, a lesson.”
Her words made me pull out my phone to check my bank account. Sure enough, 100 million had been deposited. I let out a bitter laugh. So this was how Odessa saw me—a greedy woman driven by money?
Since she had already decided who I was, I did not need to show her any courtesy. Odessa noticed my laughter and scoffed. “Look at you. You could never earn that kind of money in your lifetime. Think carefully. Sign a statement agreeing to leave us Southwells alone forever!”
“Sure, I’ll write a statement,” I replied almost immediately, flashing her a calm smile as I looked up at her. Before Odessa could celebrate her victory, I added with deliberate mockery, “But really, Mrs. Southwell, isn’t this offer a bit too stingy?”
“I knew it. You’re nothing but a greedy, insatiable woman!”
Her accusations only made me laugh harder. Without missing a beat, I started fiddling with my phone in front of her. In less than two minutes, I slipped my phone into my bag, rested a hand on Odessa’s shoulder, and gave it a firm pat. “I’ve transferred the 100 million back to you,” I said with a sweet smile. “And I added another 100 million on top of that. Take the money and kindly stop bothering me and my destined mate from now on. Pleasure doing business with you. Goodbye!”
With that, I turned, walked back into my dorm, and slammed the door shut in her face, completely cutting off her view of me. I could hear her enraged voice screaming, “You shameless, lowly Omega! How could someone like you possibly be Ben’s destined mate? You wretch!”
Odessa’s POV:
How dare Hayley disrespect me like that? I stepped forward and was ready to grab her, but the door slammed shut so fast it nearly hit me in the face. I wanted to pound on the door, but my phone suddenly chimed with a bank notification.
“Dear customer, 100 million has been credited to your account ending in 3264. Your current balance…”
I was at a loss for words as I glared at the tightly shut door. The 100 million I’d given her was money Axel and I had painstakingly scraped together after long deliberations. However, Hayley had effortlessly returned it—and added an extra 100 million on top. Could she have an identity far beyond what I imagined? I didn’t know about.