Chapter 591: What’s There to Explain?
Hayley’s POV:
Axel let out a deep sigh, his furrowed brow betraying his frustration from the moment the conversation began. When he finally spoke, his breath was heavy with irritation. He slowly turned his gaze to Benjamin, uncertainty etched across his face. “Son, I know you’re capable,” he hesitated, then added, “But… as the Alpha of the Midnight Pack and the heir to the Southwell family, you owe your uncles and the family an explanation.”
Benjamin met his father’s gaze with calm detachment. “What’s there to explain?” he asked, his voice steady. “When it comes to making money, no one demands an explanation, but when a minor issue arises, suddenly I’m under scrutiny?”
“Has the Southwell family really come to this?” He scoffed, the words bitter on his tongue. “Are we now like those who thrive on gossip for personal gain?”
The elder who had already challenged Benjamin stood up, slamming his hand on the table. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Do you think we’re just some random people?” His voice was full of outrage. “Even Old Mr. Southwell had to respect us when he was alive. But now, just because you’ve been Alpha for a few days, you’re already showing disrespect to an elder like me?”
He glared at Benjamin, his voice turning colder. “Make a choice today—either stand by the Southwell family’s interests or side with this insignificant Omega woman. Choose wisely.” His eyes briefly flickered toward me, a sneer playing on his lips.
I let out a cold laugh in response, my gaze unwavering. Benjamin’s lips curled into a tight smile, but the mockery in his eyes was unmistakable. “So, you think just because you’ve enjoyed everything handed to you for so long, you’ve earned it?” he said, his voice sharp. “When the pack was at war, it was Grandpa and I who led the charge to defend Midnight Pack. You all stayed safe, enjoying the comforts of home.”
His eyes hardened as he looked around the room. “The Southwell Group thrived under my grandfather’s leadership. The rest of you just collected your dividends year after year, and now you have the nerve to question me, the Alpha?”
The man flushed with embarrassment, his eyes flicking nervously toward Odessa, silently seeking her support. Neither Benjamin nor I missed the quiet exchange between them.
Benjamin’s voice cut through the tension, icy and direct. “Odessa,” he called out.
“What?” she responded, startled. When she met his gaze, she quickly looked away after her eyes met mine.
“Did you bring these people here?” Benjamin asked, the question hanging in the air, accusatory.
Odessa’s face darkened, and she didn’t even try to deny it. After a long pause, she sighed heavily and confessed, “Yes, I arranged all of this. I can’t just stand by and let you ruin everything, dragging the Southwells down with you. Son, it’s not too late to turn back.”
Benjamin let out a bitter laugh. “Then from now on, the Southwells are yours.” I could see the hurt and disappointment in his expression, and it stung.
Odessa’s voice was sharp with disbelief. “You’d really say that? Are you sure about this?”
“I couldn’t be clearer,” Benjamin replied calmly, the weight of his words sinking in. “After today, we likely won’t see each other again. Take care of yourself, Dad. You too, Odessa.”
Turning to face the rest of the family, Benjamin’s voice was smooth, but it carried an undertone of something far more forceful. “Just think about it—when word gets out that I’ve severed ties with the Southwells, how much do you think the Southwell Group’s stock will drop when the market opens tomorrow?”
He glanced over the room, his hand gently taking mine in his. “Let’s go,” he said softly.