Chapter 53: Need Your Help

Hayley’s POV:

I had no choice but to turn around and greet him. “What a coincidence. You’re here too.”

“Germ,” he said bluntly, leaving me confused for a moment. But then, I thought of something and asked, “Are you giving me a ride home? That’s great. I won’t need to call a taxi.”

Without waiting for a response, I opened the car door and got in. Benjamin offered no explanation. Soon, the driver started the engine and drove off.

I thought he was taking me home, but soon after the car began moving, he handed me a stack of documents. “These are the details for the meeting with Dorian Neel later. Go through them,” he instructed.

Puzzled, I looked at him. “Why are you giving these to me?”

“My assistant couldn’t make it, so I need your help,” he replied.

“Wait, you want me to act as your assistant?” I asked, still unsure. Benjamin nodded. “I’ll appreciate it.”

Though I felt hesitant, I couldn’t think of a reason to say no. I remembered how he had helped me during the tennis match, so I sighed and agreed. I opened the files and began reviewing them.

A little while later, the car stopped in front of a fancy Michelin-starred restaurant, and I followed Benjamin inside.

In the elevator, I caught my reflection and instinctively adjusted my glasses. Benjamin noticed and said, “You should take care of your appearance more often. Being well-groomed is an advantage.”

I was about to snap back at him, but the elevator doors opened just then. Swallowing my retort, I shot him a glare as we stepped out. I muttered, “If he thinks I look bad, why ask for my help?”

If it weren’t for wanting to avoid attention from the Southwell brothers, I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of hiding my true appearance when I came to the Midnight Pack.

“What are you standing there for? Come over here.” Benjamin’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Quick! Get closer to our destined mate!” Hera urged, completely ignoring his bossy tone. She was thrilled.

Suppressing my frustration, I reluctantly followed. As soon as we walked into the private room, the other party stood up respectfully to greet Benjamin. “Alpha, good to see you.”

Benjamin shook his hand briefly. “Sorry for the delay, Mr. Neel.”

Dorian smiled. “No worries, I just got here.” He glanced at me but quickly looked away, clearly not impressed by my appearance.

I didn’t mind and sat next to Benjamin.

“Alpha, who is this?” another man at the table, Jed Field from Mount Corporation, asked curiously.

Benjamin gave a quick introduction. “This is my assistant, Hayley.”

“You’re Alpha’s assistant, linh? You look too young for that,” Jed chuckled, eyeing me in a way that made me uncomfortable.

Since I had agreed to help, I naturally didn’t show any displeasure. I explained, “I’ve already graduated, Mr. Field.”

Although it was the truth, I could tell from their expressions that no one, not even Benjamin, believed me. But no one said anything, either.

“Shall we get to the contract?” Dorian suggested, motioning for his secretary to bring out the documents. As we shifted to business, the atmosphere became more serious.

I did my best to support Benjamin as his assistant, answering questions confidently, even when they were complicated. I noticed Benjamin looking at me with more appreciation as the meeting progressed.

After a while, the food arrived. Dorian signaled for the waiter and said, “Bring out the red wine I stored here.”

Turning to Benjamin, he smiled. “Alpha, this deal is done. Once we get back, I’ll have our legal team draft the contract, and we can sign it.”

Benjamin responded calmly, “Thank you. I look forward to it.”

Dorian humbly replied, “It’s not a big deal. We’re grateful for this opportunity. I’m confident our collaboration will live up to your expectations. May we have a pleasant cooperation.”

With that, he raised his glass and toasted.

As they toasted, I quietly ate, feeling relieved now that the business deal was settled.

After a few rounds of drinks, Benjamin excused himself to use the restroom.

The moment he left, Jed, who had had too much to drink, swaggered over with a bottle in hand. “Come on, Hayley, have a drink with me.”

The strong scent of alcohol hit me, making me wince. Hera was growing restless without Benjamin nearby, and her irritation only added to mine.

Still, it wasn’t the time to reveal my Alpha identity. I suppressed my anger and replied politely, “Sorry, Mr. Field. I don’t drink.”

He scolded me, “You’re just an Omega. You don’t get to say no! If I say drink, you must drink. Or I can have Benjamin kick you out of the pack!”

He aggressively poured a full glass of wine in front of me. Dorian, who was sitting nearby, pretended not to notice. To them, I was just a lowly Omega, and they probably thought I should be grateful for their attention and offers…

“Sorry, Mr. Field, I can’t drink,” I said, still trying to be polite.

However, he pushed further, reaching out to grab my shoulder. “Don’t make me angry, Hayley.”

The smell of alcohol and his touch disgusted me, and Hera roared inside.

I’d had enough and turned gloomy.