Chapter 505: Fingerprints on the Knife

Hayley’s POV

“Murder? Me?” I was completely baffled.

“You’ve got it wrong,” the officer who had taken my statement quickly interjected, “She’s a witness—she’s the one who found the victim.”

“Witnesses turning out to be the culprits isn’t exactly unheard of,” the detective snapped back sharply. He then produced a clear evidence bag containing a knife from his colleague. “This is the weapon we found at the crime scene. It has traces of Mrs. Odessa Southwell’s blood and your fingerprints.”

“That’s because I took it from Irving. It’s perfectly reasonable for my fingerprints to be on it,” I explained calmly.

“Then why aren’t Irving’s fingerprints on it?” His gaze turned accusatory. “Besides, he doesn’t have his wolf anymore. He’s just like a human now, and he wouldn’t be able to overpower you, an Omega. It’s obvious you’re trying to frame him, taking advantage of his reputation as a disgraced rogue.”

His words were filled with malice and speculation, as though he was determined to make me the villain. He stared at me sternly and continued, “And no one saw Irving entering or leaving the restaurant. Only you were there. You and Odessa have a known history of animosity. You have both the motive and the opportunity to murder her.”

I stayed silent for a moment before realization struck me. I had fallen into Irving’s trap.

“Fine. I’ll stay and cooperate, but I want a lawyer,” I said firmly.

“That’s your right,” the detective replied.

An hour later, Johnny arrived with a lawyer.

“Hayley, you’ve been wronged. Don’t worry, I will get you out of here,” he said, his voice filled with both anger and concern.

“Thank you, Johnny. I’ll be okay,” I replied calmly, then asked, “How’s Benjamin’s mom?”

“She’s still in surgery. The injuries were severe, and her wolf seemed to be in shock as well,” Johnny explained.

I sighed. “I hope she pulls through.”

Johnny was displeased. “Why are you even worrying about her after everything she’s done to you? That woman’s been nothing but trouble, and now her mess has dragged you into this!”

“Johnny, don’t say that. No matter what, she’s still Benjamin’s mother,” I said quietly.

After a brief pause, I looked at Johnny with determination. “Johnny, I need your help with a few things.”

First, I need you to contact my second-in-command, Thomas. His wolf might be in a dormant state because Hera can’t sense him. If anyone can clear my name, it’s him. Tell him to focus on surveillance footage and eyewitnesses—those are the key.

Second, ask him to get in touch with Dr. Claudio Aher and have him personally come to the Midnight Pack to operate on Odessa. Benjamin cares deeply about his mother, and I don’t want him to suffer.

Johnny sighed heavily. “You are still thinking of others even in a situation like this.”

“Fine. I know I can’t change your mind. Don’t worry—handle everything.”

Benjamin’s POV:

I sat on the bench outside the operating room anxiously as I waited. Henry and the others arrived one after another.

“What’s going on? Does this really have something to do with Hayley?” Tanner asked, frowning.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Ben wouldn’t be with someone who’d do something like that,” Henry defended Hayley.

“Do you think I want to suspect her? But let’s be honest. Mom has said some pretty awful things. We all know they don’t get along, right?” Tanner’s voice grew louder with frustration.

“If Mom had a problem with Ben’s choices, she would’ve done something a long time ago. Why wait until now?” Henry retorted angrily, glaring at Tanner.

“Enough,” I said in a low voice. “It wasn’t her.”

“Then who could it be?” Christopher asked, confusion written all over his face.

At that moment, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen—it was an unfamiliar number. After a brief hesitation, I answered and put it on speaker.

“How does it feel to watch someone so close to you teeter on the edge of life and death?” Irving’s voice came through the line, dripping with malice.

Henry and the others stared in shock, but I didn’t flinch. “It seems I was far too lenient with you,” I said coldly. “I should’ve let my wolf tear you apart completely.”

“You made a mistake, Benjamin,” Irving replied smugly. “And not just that one.” His tone turned mocking as he continued, “Let me give you a little reminder. If Odessa doesn’t make it and dies on that operating table, then this all ends. But if she survives, well… she’s never liked Hayley, has she? Do you think she’ll just let her go? Think about it. Are you going to save Hayley or Odessa?”

“Better decide quickly!” He laughed maniacally.