Chapter 139: Is That You?
Hayleyโs POV:
After arriving at Phoenix Entertainment, I went upstairs with Trista. While Trista was busy picking up her script, I slipped away and headed to Christopherโs office. The spacious office was empty, and after a momentโs thought, I decided to leave the revised song and lyrics Iโd prepared under Christopherโs computer. Once everything was set, I left the office.
Later that night, I sat in front of my computer, staring at the chat window with Benjamin. After hesitating for a moment, I finally sent the message Iโd been meaning to write.
โMr. Benjamin, Iโll be traveling abroad for a few days, so Iโll have to pause my study of the Mornant language for now. Iโll reach out to you when Iโm back.โ
Benjaminโs POV:
I looked at Selenaโs message on my screen, but before I could reply, there was a knock at the door. My assistant, Tyrone, stepped in and respectfully reported, โAlpha, here are your tickets for France in two days, along with passes for the international racing competition.โ
I nodded. โLeave them on the desk.โ
Tyrone placed the tickets on my desk, then added, โOld Mr. Southwell knows youโre going to France and specifically asked you to visit an old friend of his while youโre there. Hereโs the address he wanted me to give you.โ He handed me a sheet of paper with an address written in French.
I hadnโt heard of Grandpa having any friends in France, but if it was his request, Iโd make sure to fulfill it.
โWell, let Grandpa know that Iโll take care of it,โ
โAlright, Alpha. Iโll take my leave now.โ Tyrone bowed and left the office.
I turned back to the screen and typed a reply to Selenaโs message.
โCoincidentally, I have business to attend to as well. Letโs connect once youโre back.โ
After sending the message, I picked up the tickets and passes, feeling their weight in my hand. I glanced out at the night sky beyond the window, and a familiar image from the past drifted into my mind. Saraโฆ when will I see you again on the international racing circuit? And that beta woman who raced alongside me that nightโฆ was it you?
Chapter 130: Is That You?
Hayleyโs POV:
Three days later. Thomas and I boarded a flight to France. Just before departure, I stopped by the airport restroom to remove my disguise and return to my natural appearance. The makeup was off, and my real, strikingly beautiful face was back.
โAlpha, you look amazing as always,โ Thomas said, with a mix of admiration and exasperation. โI get hiding your alpha identity at Midnight Pack, but did you really have to make yourself look so plain and frumpy?โ
I smirked. โYou donโt get it. This is just me experiencing life from a different perspective. Besides, isnโt it proof of my impressive makeup skills?โ
Thomas nodded in agreement. Then, with a hint of curiosity, he asked, โAlpha, have you ever thought about making a comeback in the racing world?โ
I didnโt answer directly, just smiled and said, โLife is about moving forward.โ
After a long, exhausting flight, we finally landed at the airport in Veloria. Veloria was already cloaked in nightfall, and as we stepped off the plane, a chill wind hit me, making me shiver. Thomas immediately took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. โAlpha, wear this. I know you wonโt get sick from the cold, but youโll feel more comfortable.โ
The warmth of his gesture touched me. Thanks.
Thomas looked a bit bashful. โAlpha, thereโs no need to thank me.โ
โLetโs head to the hotel. Weโll go to the manor tomorrow,โ I instructed.
Thomas nodded and accompanied me to the hotel. After the long flight, I was completely worn out. I took a shower and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.
I didnโt wake up until noon the next day. When I checked my phone, I saw a message from Thomas. โAlpha, I have something to take care of. Could you go to the manor on your own? See you at the racetrack tomorrow!โ
A quick glance at the clock revealed it was past 8 AM, making his message three or four hours old. I quickly reassured him it was no problem.
Right after I sent the message, Thomas replied with a stream of voice notes. โAlpha, why are you waking up so late? Thereโs a restaurant in the hotel โ make sure you go down and eat. Donโt skip meals. Your stomach wonโt thank you for it.โ
Amused, I replied, โThomas, youโre sounding like an old nanny these days.โ But despite my teasing, I felt a warmth in my chest.
Chapter 130: Is That You?
Thomas had been trained as my beta since childhood, and heโd been with me through all the grueling drills to protect the Shadow Pack. He was more than a subordinate; I considered him family.
After sending my response, I set my phone down, got myself together, and ordered some room service.
Later in the afternoon, I packed up and took a cab to the manor in the Roseshire village. Three years ago, Iโd bought this property in France and entrusted it to professionals to manage in my absence. I hadnโt visited in all that time, and as I stepped through the gates, a strange sense of nostalgia washed over me.
โAlpha!โ A familiar voice called out. I turned toward the sound and saw a familiar figure approachingโฆ.