Chapter 820 Testing Mr. White
Hayley’s POV:
Truman pressed his lips together slightly, then took my hand and looped it through his arm before leading me inside.
The host looked at us with a wide smile, his eyes filled with surprise and excitement. “Completely unexpected—Mr. White actually brought a date! Mr. White, please sign here.”
Truman stepped forward smoothly to sign his name on the wall before escorting me inside.
Our entrance caused quite a stir within the venue, with people whispering among themselves.
“Who’s that with Truman? My wolf tells me she’s just an Omega, but damn, that face is on another level!”
“There’s no way someone Truman brought could be ordinary. Whatever her status, we need to find a way to talk to them.”
But then came the snide remarks. “Oh, that? Haven’t you heard? That woman is the Sanders’ second daughter; she grew up away from the family. Sure, she’s got a pretty face, but she’s just an Omega with no real ability.”
“So that’s how it is. Then there’s no way she’ll ever have a position in the Sanders’ management. In that case, there’s no need for us to even greet her.”
“God forbid she come near me! I don’t want to pick up the stench of a lowly Omega.”
“Relax. Did you forget the rules for this party? After signing in, everyone has to compete in a round of chess matches. Points are tallied, and the three with the lowest scores have to leave on their own. Do you really think an Omega can play chess well?”
“Good point. Hahaha—at this rate, she’ll probably be walking out of here in shame soon enough!”
I heard their nasty little comments, but I couldn’t have cared less.
Werewolves like them weren’t even worth my time.
What I didn’t expect was Truman’s reaction. The moment he heard them, his expression turned so dark it was terrifying.
A suffocating Alpha aura radiated from him, his sharp gaze sweeping over them, and those same people who had been chattering animatedly instantly shut their mouths and shrank back.
I glanced at them and gave a disdainful little smile.
Truman, cold and detached, turned his face away and kept leading me further inside.
I asked him with genuine curiosity, “So, what kind of people usually come to this party?”
“Besides some high-ranking werewolves, there are top talents from all kinds of industries around the world—design, physics, jewelry, and more,” Truman said.
Then he added, “I’ll introduce you to some people later. It’s always good to expand your network, but my main reason for bringing you here tonight isn’t networking—it’s Rufus Covington.”
“Rufus Covington? Who’s that?”
“The Alpha of the Newmoon Pack and the CEO of Rufus International Corporation. He’s the first in the country to own and showcase a top-grade heterochromatic ruby. You’ve recently unearthed two top-grade gems but only sold one publicly. I’m guessing you’ve got other plans for the second one. He might be able to help you.”
I froze, stopping in my tracks.
So Truman came to this event just to help me deal with another problem?
A wave of conflicting emotions hit me. I didn’t even know how to face him.
It took me a while before I awkwardly squeezed out through clenched teeth, “Thank you… I don’t know what else to say, just thank you. I hope one day I’ll have the chance to return the favor.”
This feeling of owing someone—it really didn’t sit well with me.
Truman chuckled and teased, “So Ms. Sanders actually has moments of being shy and unsure. But honestly, if you want to thrive in this world, you’ll need to toughen up that skin of yours. When you stop thinking about how to repay me for everything, maybe then we can get along peacefully.”
“Let’s hope so.”
I shrugged my shoulders and quickly changed the subject. “But tell me, aren’t parties supposed to be all fun and friendly? What’s with throwing in a chess competition, and an elimination rule at that?”
“The host is Baxter Atkinson. He’s basically the leading figure in chess among werewolves. He came up with this rule at the very first gathering, and it’s been kept ever since,” Truman explained patiently.
As we were talking, Zayd suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
He glanced at Truman, then greeted me respectfully. “Ms. Carson, sorry for arriving late.”
“Whenever you show up, it’s never too late,” I replied, lifting my head to give Truman a half-smile. “Your secretary’s name is Melody Smith, your subordinate’s Nelson Smith, and coincidentally, I just got myself an assistant named Zayd Smith. Mr. White, doesn’t he look familiar?”
I said it on purpose to test him. Then I carefully watched his expression.