Virginia’s POV:
“I can’t say for sure just yet,” I admitted, though the mere possibility made my heart race with anticipation. “But I truly feel like she’s my daughter. I’m convinced. My wolf told me there’s a familiar scent on her!”
Bill nodded slowly, his voice deep. “Hayley’s had a tough life. When we first brought her in, one of our Beta warriors reported she’d likely been abandoned on purpose…”
I froze, realizing Bill was testing me. His words hinted at doubt—as if implying we had intentionally abandoned Hayley all those years ago. He was subtly reminding me that if I had willingly let her go, I didn’t have the right to claim her now.
“I swear to the Moon Goddess!” I gripped my hands tightly. “Michelle—my daughter—I’ve been searching for her all this time. I never gave up, it’s just that… I…”
I couldn’t finish my sentence. Tears broke out. Choking back my words, I forced out, “What mother could ever abandon her own child? I love her too much to let her go.”
“From the first moment I saw Hayley, I felt she was my daughter!”
“To be honest, it wasn’t just her kindness that day. I purposely stayed close to her.”
“Because, deep down, I’ve always considered Hayley my daughter. When I found out she was adopted by you, I knew for sure—she’s my daughter. There’s no mistake.”
Bill seemed moved by the sincerity in my voice, but Hayley had been raised as his granddaughter for over ten years. He couldn’t just let go that easily. He sat there, silent, wrestling with his emotions.
I understood his hesitation and quickly added, “Don’t worry. I’m not asking Hayley to come back with me. I just want to confirm the truth. I won’t force her to leave her life behind.”
“Not after all she’s been through. She’s my precious daughter, and I would never disturb the happiness she has now. Please, believe me!”
I kept trying to reassure him. Finally, Bill offered no objection, merely murmuring softly, “The first cabinet on the left. Open it and take any card. The passcode is…” He then read me his code.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” I bowed deeply in gratitude.
After receiving the card, Virginia was so excited that she completely forgot Hayley’s warning and rushed out without a second thought.
Unbeknownst to her, someone had been quietly watching the Carsons’ residence. As Virginia stepped out, the person discreetly dialed a number.
“Mrs. Virginia is leaving.”
On the other end of the line, Freya narrowed her eyes. “Follow her. Be careful to mask your scent. Don’t let her notice you.”
“Understood.”
The call ended, and Freya stood by the office window, gazing out at the city below. Her eyes grew distant. That woman I’ve called “Mom” all these years still feels like a stranger to me in some ways. Just a few days apart, and she’s already regained much of her composure, all thanks to that Omega student, Hayley! Freya hugged herself, her nails digging into her skin with envy. But then, her expression shifted, a smile creeping onto her lips. This can work to my advantage, she thought. Maybe now I can uncover the secrets Mom and Grandma have been hiding. The Sanders is mine. No one can stand in my way!
The person following Virginia stayed close, tracking her all the way to the paternity testing center. After Virginia left, they spent a little money to learn that she was getting a test to confirm the parent–child relationship between herself and someone named Hayley.
When Freya received this information, she angrily knocked everything off her desk. The person on the other end of the line held their breath, afraid to speak. It felt like an eternity before Freya’s cold, low voice finally came through.
“Do whatever it takes. I want the results as soon as possible, no matter the cost!”