Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 395: Unwelcome to Be with Her Son

Hayley’s POV:

Back in my room, all the calm I had been pretending to maintain vanished, and I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. When Grandpa Southwell was still around, I never had to worry about anything… But now, Odessa’s words made it clear—she, as Benjamin’s mother, did not welcome me being with him.

Yet, he was my destined mate. Could I really just walk away from him?

The next morning, I woke up early. I promised Tanner I would help out at his studio today. So, after breakfast, without making a fuss, I quietly had the driver take me to Tanner’s studio.

“Hayley, why are you here so early?” Tanner asked, looking surprised.

I looked up at him and replied, “I had some free time, so I decided to come by. Is my office still in the same place?”

“I’ve cleared out a bigger space for you, over here. Let me show you.”

I quickly followed him as he led me down the corridor, stopping only when we reached the very end. He opened the door to reveal a spacious room, with several mannequins by the entrance, each dressed in a different style of wedding gown.

“This is where you’ll be working this summer. How do you like it? Is it to your taste?”

I stepped inside, taking in the surroundings, and eventually made my way to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view outside was incredible, the scenery stretching out in the distance, beautiful beyond words.

“This place is gorgeous! Working here will be such a pleasure,” I said, completely in awe.

Tanner chuckled softly. “I knew you’d like it. Since that’s the case, this space is yours.”

I patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Boss. I’ll make sure to do a great job.”

“Alright, then. Get to work, and if you need anything, just let me know!”

Then, Tanner left, and I was left alone in the vast office. I gazed at the colorful pencils and sketchpad in front of me, and suddenly, a brilliant idea struck. I sat down, picked up a pencil, and began to sketch.

My assistant, Thomas, knew me better than anyone—I was a workaholic! Whether it was handling Shadow Pack matters or pursuing other interests, once I got started, I could easily lose myself in the work.

I worked steadily until afternoon, while the rest of the staff had already gone to lunch, but I was still at it. It wasn’t until Tanner came in that I finally took a break.

“Hayley…”

I was focused on my design sketches, not lifting my eye for a second as I casually asked, “Is something wrong?”

Tanner walked up to my desk, staring at the designs in awe. “Did you draw all of these in just one morning?”

I nodded. “The inspiration struck today, so I just sketched a few things while the ideas were flowing.”

Tanner urged me, “Your work efficiency is impressive, but don’t forget to eat. Take a break for a bit.”

I paused, glancing at the wall clock, and was shocked to see it was almost one o’clock.

“How is it almost one already?!”

Tanner sighed in exasperation. “Does that mean it’s time to eat?”

I stretched lazily and got up from my seat.

“Alright, I’ll go eat now,” I said with a smile.

After leaving the studio, I took out my phone and searched for a good restaurant nearby, ordering two of their signature dishes. As soon as the food arrived, I eagerly dug in. Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

It was an unfamiliar number. I hesitated for a moment but decided to answer.

“Hello, may I ask who’s calling?”