Chapter 56: An Important Announcement
Hayley’s POV:
Rachel’s usual arrogance was gone. She quickly glanced away when our eyes met. She had become much quieter lately. Perhaps the lessons she learned and her new status as an Omega had forced her to tone down her behavior. I believed she wouldn’t be causing me any more trouble since we were both Omegas now. We were on equal footing.
In our first class, which was Spanish, Anne brought up the upcoming state Spanish competition. “The registration for the Spanish competition is open now. Anyone interested can join, especially students like Rachel and Hayley who have a strong background in the language. You two should consider it.”
Rachel, who was being mentioned, took a deep breath and smiled before standing up. “Ms. Anne, I’d love to join. I’ll make sure to bring pride to the school.”
Anne nodded approvingly. “Good job, Rachel. You’re enthusiastic, and I hope the rest of you follow her example.” Then, she turned to me and asked, “What about you, Hayley? Will you be joining as well?”
I looked up slowly, initially planning to decline. But after seeing Rachel’s enthusiasm, I figured it would be interesting to stir things up a little. So, I replied, “Yes, Ms. Anne. I’ll join too.”
Rachel glanced at me but didn’t say a word. If it were before, she probably would’ve started teasing me.
After school, Christine and I strolled out of the school chatting. “Hayley, I wish we could always stay together. It would be awesome if we lived in the same place – eating, sleeping, and doing homework together,” she said dreamily.
I ruffled her hair and said, “I’ll go visit your place another day.”
Christine’s eyes sparkled. “That would be amazing! I’ll ask my mom to make your favorite dishes. When do you think you’ll come?”
I thought for a second before replying, “Probably after the Spanish competition in a few days.”
“Great! It’s a deal then!”
Christine grinned and waved goodbye before heading off, and I walked toward the car waiting for me. I got into the car and greeted Irving. He gave a quick nod in return.
Once I was seated, Irving mentioned, “Grandpa has a dinner party tonight. He asked me to bring you along.”
“Sure, let’s go,” I agreed. I wasn’t sure what kind of event it was, but if George had arranged it, it had to be important.
When we reached the restaurant’s private room, all the Southwell brothers were already there, including Tanner, who rarely showed up at such gatherings. George spotted me and waved me over with a warm smile. “Hayz, come sit beside me.”
I obediently walked over and greeted him politely, “Hello, Grandpa.”
With a grin, he introduced me to the others. “Guys, this is Hayz, a member of the ruling family of the Shadow Pack. She’s a special guest of the Midnight Pack and soon-to-be my granddaughter-in-law.”
Though his introduction was brief, it caused some noticeable reactions from a few people. I stood there, a bit surprised, unsure of how to respond. Among the Southwell brothers, Henry’s reaction was the most intense. His eyes darted between his siblings before landing on me as if he couldn’t believe lil had already chosen someone.
I smiled politely and greeted the people next to George, “Nice to meet you, I’m Hayley Carson.”
The man nodded and introduced himself, “Nice to meet you, Ms. Carson. I’m Matthew York, Old Mr. Southwell’s personal lawyer.”
With everyone gathered, George cleared his throat and began to speak, “I’ve brought you all here for an important announcement.”
It was unusual to see him so serious. Both I and the Southwell brothers exchanged confused looks, curious about what he was going to say next.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision, and it’s time I share it with all of you,” George said, his tone heavy with significance.