Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 517: Betrayal

Hayley’s POV:

“I can’t wait,” Irving admitted without hesitation. Then, with the ease of a switch, he forced a fake, condescending smile and joked, “So, I’ll have to rely on my future wife’s understanding.”

“You can pick any domestic designer you like, and Benjamin will sort out the Carsons for you.”

I scoffed deliberately, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I thought your love for me was so great that if I asked for the stars, you’d climb up and get them for me yourself. Seems like even you rely on others. In that respect, you and Benjamin are worlds apart.”

I leaned in slightly, narrowing my eyes. “But, of course, you and Benjamin are incomparable. He’s a noble Alpha, while you’re nothing but a wanted criminal without a wolf, colluding with witches and betraying your kind.”

I watched as his face twisted with anger for a moment, his jaw tightening. Yet, just as quickly, he composed himself again, his sharp eyes cutting into me. He had seen through my deliberate provocation.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke, his tone slow and cold. “Yes, I am a wanted criminal. You know that better than anyone. So, of course, I have to protect myself first. Otherwise, wouldn’t that make you a widow?”

He leaned back slightly, tapping his knee rhythmically. “I’m not sure how long my patience will last with you,” he added, leaning forward slightly. “You’d better tell me what you want now, or I’ll just pick something myself and dress you in whatever I like. Forcefully, if I have to.”

“You’re delusional!” I snapped, pretending to grit my teeth in frustration.

“Fine. If I have to wear something, I want the dress worn by the cover model in this month’s issue of Lay magazine. Nothing else will do.”

Irving smirked, clearly pleased with what he thought was my submission. He stood, straightening his clothes with a triumphant air. “That’s more like it. You’d better behave, or I’ll make another deal with the witch and ensure you end up like me—without a wolf.”

“You’re so obedient and cute when you know your place.”

He turned and walked out after threatening me like the devil, his shiny pointed shoes pressing dents into the soft carpet, each mark vanishing moments after his steps.

As soon as the door shut behind him, I let out a long sigh of relief. Beneath the carpet where his footsteps had disappeared, the Lay magazine I had hidden remained unnoticed. It was a stroke of luck he had not spotted it.

Instead of immediately relaying Hayley’s request to the Carsons, he returned to his study and booted up his computer to search online for Lay. To Irving, a wedding dress was just an item of clothing for women, nothing more. However, the fact that Hayley had specifically requested it suggested there might be more to it. After all, despite seeming to be an Omega, she had shown herself to be incredibly sharp since he had met her. He had to stay cautious.

He meticulously analyzed the magazine, from its founder to its shareholders, confirming there was nothing suspicious, then leisurely dialed Benjamin’s number.

Benjamin’s POV:

I was on my way to meet the key person, Stephenie, who had information about Hayley’s situation with Irving. When Irving’s call came through, I slammed on the brakes and pulled over. After taking a moment to calm down and ensure I was focused, I pressed the answer button on the car’s video screen. I could not afford to miss any details during such a critical moment.

As soon as the call connected, Irving’s impatient voice came through, “Took you so long to answer. Seems like you’re not that concerned about Hayley’s well-being.”

“I was busy organizing your wedding; I hope you’re not wasting my time with nonsense,” I shot back, refusing to be led by him. Any delay could put Hayley at further risk, something I could not afford.

There was a heavy silence from Irving’s side after my words. I waited, ready to explode in anger and warn him further, but before I could lose my cool completely, Irving’s familiar voice came through again…