Chapter 570: Worrying About Her

Hayley’s POV:

It was a notification message. “Your card ending in 2138 has received a deposit of ten million dollars. Remaining balance: xxx…” Ten million. In this city, where every inch of land is a precious commodity, that amount couldn’t even buy a decent office building. Had the Ortegas dismissed me like a beggar?

Fine. I gave them a chance. Since they didn’t want it, I couldn’t be blamed.

Benjamin’s POV:

Lawrence seemed to sense Hayley’s pain, stirring restlessly inside me. I watched her from afar, my heart heavy with sadness and worry. She had always been wildfire and laughter, but now she was ice, distant even to me. If only I had made a decisive choice earlier between my mother and her. Perhaps it wouldn’t have turned out like this. I hated my countless moments of indecision. But now, I have finally made up my mind. Whoever dares to hurt Hayley will face only one fate—vanishing from this world!

I sat down beside her, gently pulling her into my arms, hoping my warmth would give her some comfort. “I’m sorry. I should have handled things with my mother better.”

“Don’t be foolish,” she comforted me, her tone steady but edged with sorrow. “Mrs. Southwell was just being used. I know exactly who’s behind all this trouble.”

“Benjamin,” she whispered softly, “you have one last chance. Do you want to walk away from me? From now on, I might not be so understanding. I might not consider your feelings as my mate either. I could hurt you unintentionally.”

I pressed my lips together, then gently wrapped both arms around her, pulling her closer. My face rested against hers, and I gave her my firm reply. “Good. I don’t want you to be so understanding anymore. I want my Hayley to suffer no more.”

She let me hold her without a word; her eyes stayed calm. But it hurt me, seeing her so distant. After a moment, she said seriously, “I want the Ortegas to disappear from this world!” The powerful aura she exuded didn’t feel like that of an Omega. Even I was taken aback, somehow believing she had the ability to make it happen.

I held her tighter. “Okay, I’ll help you,” I vowed.

Meanwhile, a huge piece of news exploded across the East Coast. The renowned financial giant, Steven, had just arrived in North Annestone and was staying at the Lilypad Hotel. Steven was a master of short selling. With his vast resources, he could shift the course of entire markets. If he chose to back either the Southwells or the Ortegas, he would forge a new economic powerhouse.

The moment Tina and Daniel got word of it, they rushed to the hotel. Usually, hotel-guest information is kept private, and outsiders aren’t allowed to disturb them. But with the Ortegas gaining power, the hotel manager, afraid of crossing them, allowed access to the top floor. Even then, upon stepping out of the elevator, they were stopped by Steven’s personal bodyguards. The bodyguards were ex-mercenaries, massive and towering even over Tina’s own bodyguard. Tina tried to reason with them, but they refused to let her through. Left with no choice, she turned and walked away.

Steven was a man who held grudges. If they angered him and he decided to align with the Southwells instead, it would mean their downfall. As the mother and son entered the lobby, she collided with Hayley and Benjamin, who had just arrived. Their gazes locked, and even the nearby staff discreetly stepped away. When the enemies encountered each other, if looks could kill, Hayley would have already torn Tina apart.

Hayley struggled to stay calm. Her aura had been restless lately, itching for a fight. “Well, who would’ve thought,” Daniel sneered, “that you’d get news about Mr. Lowe so quickly.” The Midnight Pack was in a strong position, but Steven’s whereabouts were hard to track down. Even Benjamin, despite his status, could barely get accurate information on him. Hayley had obtained the information through special channels. Benjamin didn’t care about how it came to be. All that mattered was that, as Hayley’s mate, they were bound—always. He squeezed Hayley’s shoulder and gently guided her to step aside, choosing not to engage with Daniel and the others.

“Mr. Vasquez!” Tina suddenly called out to the hotel manager.