Chapter 773: I Deserve a Raise
Hayley’s POV:
Melody met my gaze calmly for a few seconds, then said in an even tone, “No.”
“Excuse me?” I thought I’d misheard.
“You should really think your options through,” I said. “With Truman’s reckless behavior, it’s only a matter of time before he crosses the line with me. If you stay by his side, I might not hold back on you either. Ms. Melody, you seem like a smart woman. Surely you understand–life goes on just fine without a man. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.”
“Thank you for the advice, Ms. Carson,” she replied softly, “but Mr. White saved my life. I owe my life to him. No matter what happens, I won’t betray him.”
She said it so firmly, with such quiet conviction, that even the most loyal warriors in our pack would’ve looked halfhearted by comparison.
I sighed, shaking my head. Then I turned to glance at Truman lying on the floor, my eyes cold. I had no idea how this man got so lucky–landing a mate like her. And yet, instead of officially making her his Luna, he spent his days chasing after other women. Forget it. After this auction, I’d steer clear of both of them.
“I respect your decision,” I said flatly and turned to leave.
As I waited for the elevator, I heard movement behind me. I looked back and saw Melody gently helping Truman to his feet and guiding him back into her room. I didn’t know why, but something twisted inside me. Hera stirred uneasily in my chest too, a strange surge of possessiveness toward Truman rising from deep within. What on earth was this? Was I feeling too much sympathy for Melody? Was it just that the thought of Truman hurting her made me uncomfortable? No. Maybe I hadn’t spent enough time around Benjamin lately, and my emotions were just off-balance.
Ding! The elevator doors opened.
I shook my head quickly, brushing away the thoughts that didn’t belong. Whatever Melody and Truman wanted to put each other through–that was their business, not mine.
The moment the door shut, Truman opened his eyes and stood up on his own, shrugging off Melody’s support like it had never been needed. He straightened his jacket with practiced ease and walked into the suite as if nothing had happened. Melody froze awkwardly, then composed herself and followed him inside.
“Given the rise in workplace stress lately,” she teased, leaning against the cabinet beside the TV, “I believe it’s time the boss considered giving me a raise.”
Truman ignored her at first, pouring himself a glass of water and taking a few sips before adjusting the tie at his collar.
“Talking about money all the time ruins relationships,” he said mildly. “You should learn from us wolves. My pack is incredibly loyal to me.”
“You want to talk about loyalty?” Melody raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t I been loyal enough? I stayed with you instead of running off to become Hayley’s right-hand.”
“That’s only because you, like me, know she’s the Alpha of the Shadow Pack–but are not aware of her hidden identity. You don’t trust her fully yet. You don’t feel safe.”
“That’s how you operate,” he added. “You never trust what you don’t fully understand.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Melody replied, crossing her arms. “I prefer to call it being intentional.”
Truman didn’t argue. He simply stood up and walked toward the door.
“Should I call room service for you? Have them send up some dinner?” Melody asked, thinking he was heading back to his room.
“No need,” Truman said with a wave of his hand, pulling the door open and disappearing into the hallway.
Hayley’s POV:
I stepped out of the elevator, still lost in thought. Who had poisoned Truman? Could this be the breakthrough I needed–the clue to save Grandma and Benjamin? Out of habit, I instinctively walked down the hallway and turned right. A few steps more and I reached what I assumed was my room. Without thinking, I pulled out my key card.
Just as I raised it to the scanner, the door beeped–and opened from the inside.
Startled, I looked up–straight into the eyes of the man standing in the doorway.
“Ms. Carson?” Horace said, surprised and smiling.