Chapter 502: Hayley Cheated on Benjamin?
Odessa and Vivian shared the same stunned expression, their mouths agape. Johnny wasn’t just Hayley’s neighbor—he was her godfather. They were in shock.
Rumor had it that Johnny might have a daughter, though no one had ever heard any details. If Hayley was his goddaughter, that would make her the future heir to a multibillion-dollar fortune. The revelation left the two women frozen, unable to process what they had just witnessed.
Vivian was the first to snap out of her daze, her mind quickly racing to darker thoughts. “I don’t buy it,” she said. “Godfather? That’s clearly just a cover for their improper relationship!” She spat venomously, “Why else would someone as powerful as Johnny choose to be the godfather of an Omega like Hayley?”
Odessa, who moments earlier had been fantasizing about the Southwells benefiting from a future partnership with the Estradas due to Hayley’s connection, suddenly felt uneasy. If what Vivian said was true, and Hayley and Johnny really did have an inappropriate relationship, Benjamin would be the one being cheated on. Odessa couldn’t sit idly by. She had to get to the bottom of this herself.
With that resolve, Odessa ignored Vivian and strode toward Hayley’s table. Johnny had just sat down when Odessa appeared with a saccharine smile. “Mr. Estrada, what a coincidence! You enjoy dining here too?” she said, her voice syrupy sweet.
Johnny cast her a meaningful glance and brushed her off. “The food here is decent.”
“Mom, what are you doing here?” Benjamin asked, clearly surprised by her sudden appearance.
“Hey, watch your mouth!” Odessa scolded, feigning hurt. “Don’t you want to see me?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Benjamin replied calmly.
“Alright, alright. I get it.” Odessa waved him off, stopping him from explaining further. Then, she added, “Mr. Estrada is Hayley’s godfather and such a distinguished guest! You must ensure he has a pleasant meal, Benjamin.”
Hayley sighed quietly. She had wanted to keep her relationship with Johnny under wraps, but there was no hiding it now. Odessa’s smile faded slightly when her gaze landed on Hayley. Still, she didn’t show her usual sharpness.
“Mrs. Southwell,” Hayley greeted politely, her tone even.
“Hmm.” Odessa responded, holding back her impatience as she turned her focus back to Johnny, ready to…
“Benjamin,” she said pointedly, “you should’ve invited more elders to join such an important guest.”
Before Benjamin could reply, Johnny cut in with a dismissive wave. “That won’t be necessary. I prefer quiet meals. Mrs. Southwell, if you have other matters to attend to, please don’t let us keep you.” His words made it clear he had no intention of entertaining Odessa any further.
Odessa chuckled awkwardly. “Of course, of course. I’ve already eaten, so I won’t intrude any longer. Mr. Estrada, until next time.” With that, she turned and left. Vivian quickly followed her, linking arms with Odessa as they walked out.
“Odessa, you’re not planning to side with Hayley now, are you? You promised my mother you’d make sure Ben chose me to be the Luna of the Midnight Pack,” Vivian said pitifully.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Odessa snapped. “I’m not senile yet. Hayley might have Johnny on her side, but she’s still a low-ranking Omega who dares to defy me at every turn. Letting her become my daughter-in-law would only infuriate me!”
Odessa squeezed Vivian’s hand reassuringly. “I just wanted to establish a good relationship with Johnny first. That’s all.” Satisfied with the explanation, Vivian dropped the subject, and the two left together.
Benjamin’s POV:
As soon as my mother and Vivian left, Johnny turned to me and gave me a stern look. “Your mother is far too calculating. I bet she’s given Hayley a hard time in the past,” Johnny began, his tone sharp. “Benjamin, let me make this clear: I only have one goddaughter, and that’s Hayley. If you ever hurt her… I won’t hesitate to teach you a lesson! I know what I’m capable of. Even if you’re the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, don’t think for a second that I can’t put you in your place,” Johnny warned.
“You have my word—I’ll protect Hayley no matter what,” I promised earnestly.
Dinner that night was nerve-wracking, with Johnny finding every opportunity to test me. I endured it all without complaint, which seemed to improve his opinion of me by the end of the meal. When I got home later that evening, I walked through the door to find my mother sitting on the couch, clearly waiting for me.