Chapter 357: Everything Has Been Burned

Hayley’s POV:

He spoke gently, as always. “Are you finished with school?”

I let out an annoyed huff and said, “Where, love, have you been these past few days? I haven’t seen you around.” There was a hint of frustration in my voice.

Benjamin reached out and pulled me closer, explaining, “I’ve had a few things to take care of, but now that it’s all done, I’m free to spend time with you.”

I knew he had been busy with work, so I didn’t press further.

“Alright, I forgive you. Let’s head home,” I said as I opened the car door and got in, fastening my seatbelt.

Suddenly, something came to mind. I asked, “How’s Tanner’s studio doing?”

“Not great,” Benjamin replied. “His studio was burned down. Many orders won’t be delivered on time, and compensation is a sure thing.”

My disdain for Madeline grew. If it weren’t for her hiring someone to burn down the studio, none of this would have happened.

“Let’s go check out the studio and see if there’s anything we can do to help,” I suggested.

Benjamin glanced at the time, then nodded. It was still early, so he started the car, and we headed to Tanner’s studio.

When we arrived, I saw the studio. What had once been a perfectly good workspace was now nothing but rubble. Fortunately, it was located on the outskirts of town, and temporary office trailers had been set up nearby, just enough to keep their work going.

As we approached, we saw Tanner on the phone. From the look on his face, I could tell the conversation wasn’t going well. When he hung up, he rubbed his head, looking drained.

I knocked on the door. Tanner quickly regained his composure. “Come in,” he called.

When we entered, Tanner asked in surprise, “Ben, Hayley, what are you doing here?”

I was straightforward. “We came to see if there’s anything we can help with.”

Tanner sighed and spread his hands. “There’s not much you can help with. You won’t be able to deliver several designs on time, so compensation will undoubtedly be necessary.”

I furrowed my brow, feeling concerned. “Is it the wedding dress designs?”

Tanner nodded and said, “I had designed some beautiful dresses, but the original designs were burned. We have to start all over.”

He continued, looking defeated, “These were high-value orders, worth millions. The loss is incalculable. Not only is my studio’s reputation taking a huge hit, but it is also suffering financial damage.”

Tanner seemed depressed.

After some thought, I said, “Could you show me the design requirements? Maybe I can help.”

Tanner’s eyes lit up at my suggestion, but then they dimmed, as if he remembered something. He sighed deeply. “The deadline is too close. There are only three days left. Even if a design is ready, there wouldn’t be enough time to make it.”

I pressed my lips together and said, “Let me give it a try!”

Tanner looked at Benjamin, who nodded slightly. Then he turned his gaze back to me.

“Well, it’s already a mess,” he said reluctantly. “If you want to try, go ahead.” But I could tell he didn’t believe I could pull it off. After all, in his eyes, I was just an Omega.

I didn’t bother explaining further. Instead, I asked him to give me the design requirements.

As I reviewed them, ideas started to take shape in my mind. Confidently, I looked up and said, “I can do this. I can complete the wedding dress on my own.”

Tanner stared at me, wide-eyed. “Hayley, you’re not joking, are you?”