Chapter 518: Wasting Time
Benjamin’s POV:
He spoke calmly, “The wedding plans have been sent to your email, and for the wedding dress, Hayley wants this year’s main style. Although time is tight, I’m sure, as the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, you’ll find a way. This is what Hayley wants, after all.”
After Irving finished speaking, he could not resist taunting me, “How does it feel to see the woman you love preparing for my wedding, Benjamin?”
“Awful,” I admitted bluntly. “If it were you, could you still smile if your beloved was taken away?”
“I couldn’t,” Irving declared, clearly pleased with himself. “I go after what I want, and that includes Hayley, the woman you love. I would even betray the Moon Goddess to get what I want. Since I no longer possess a pack, the laws of werewolves no longer hold me back!”
“Listen, I don’t have time to waste on a loser like you. Follow my instructions without delay, or I can’t promise that Hayley will still be unharmed when you next see her.”
He then abruptly ended the call. “Beep, beep, beep.” The busy signal was particularly jarring, snapping me back to reality. Irving’s rush was evident; he clearly did not plan to give me any opportunity to rescue Hayley.
Overwhelmed yet driven, I needed to parse his words for clues. A plot and a wedding dress—what could they signify? Hayley was always sharp-witted and would not just remain passive. There was definitely vital information hidden in these details. I quickly sent a message to my assistant to gather our allies to scrutinize both the email and Lay. After making these arrangements, I started the car and sped toward where Stephenie was.
Thomas’ POV:
I waited by the door for nearly half an hour until I finally saw Benjamin’s car pull up. Before he could even step out, I approached eagerly, asking, “Any news on Hayley?” I exhaled a silent breath of relief right after; I had almost let slip “Alpha Hayley” in my query, which would have risked exposing her true status.
Intending to walk and share information, I noticed Benjamin’s approach was less welcoming. His expression was stern, his Alpha presence palpable, and he seemed not to hear my question at all.
We entered a high-end club known for its affluent clientele—divorced, single Omega women and high-ranking females predominantly. The entrance to private room 101 was guarded by tall, burly bodyguards who, recognizing me, immediately opened the door for us. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with revelry. Male dancers showcased their physiques on stage while, in corners, handsome men, each in their own space, kept watchful eyes on their surroundings. Each had their own allure.
Stephenie was sprawled comfortably in the middle of a couch, seemingly untouched by the chaos around her. I noticed Benjamin’s puzzled look—he clearly did not recognize her at first glance. Given the stark transformation from her usual simple demeanor to the jewel-covered, heavily made-up figure before us, his confusion was understandable.
I gestured to my men, and one of them rushed to turn off the music. The sudden silence cut through the noise as all eyes turned towards us. “Get out!” I called out sharply to the room. The crowd quickly lowered their heads, their previous revelry replaced by silent compliance as they shuffled toward the walls, clearing the space. Soon, only Stephenie remained, lounging as if she owned the room. She looked up, locking eyes first with me, then with Benjamin.