Chapter 423: I’m So Proud of You
Hayley’s POV:
Johnny quickly averted his gaze, then turned back to me with a sincere expression. “Hayz, how’s everything going? If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, I’ll always have your back.”
“I’m doing fine, so don’t worry about me,” I reassured him with a smile.
“Good to hear,” Johnny said, seemingly remembering something. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, handing them to me. “So you got into New College. I’m so proud of you. To make things easier for you, I bought you a place near the school. You’ll have a convenient spot to stay.”
I glanced at the keys, feeling overwhelmed. “This is too much. I can’t accept this,” I replied, politely declining.
Johnny’s expression turned serious. Without another word, he pressed the keys into my hand. “I’m your godfather. I treat you like my own daughter. This is nothing extravagant. If you don’t take it, I’ll be hurt.”
“Alright, Johnny, I’ll accept it,” I said, finally taking the keys. I gave him a warm hug.
Johnny’s face lit up with a big smile. “That’s more like it. Don’t be so formal with me. When do you head to school? I can help with any arrangements.”
“Probably early September.”
“Got it. Let me take you home. Are you heading to the Southwells’?”
I quickly shook my head. “No, I moved out. I’m living at Champagne Oaks now. I bought the place myself.”
Johnny’s eyes narrowed slightly, concern crossing his face. “Hayz, is something bothering you? Have you been upset lately?”
I shook my head. “No, everything’s fine. I just felt like I was imposing, so I decided to move out.”
Johnny seemed unconvinced, but he didn’t press. Instead, he said, “Whatever it is, don’t keep it to yourself. If you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”
“I promise, Johnny, I’m okay,” I assured him with a nod.
Johnny didn’t say anything more. When the car arrived at my place, I got out first. I noticed Benjamin hadn’t moved, which surprised me. Just as I was about to ask him what was going on, he spoke. “I need to have a word with Mr. Estrada. Go on upstairs first.”
I raised an eyebrow and looked to Johnny. “Johnny, is this something I can’t hear?”
Johnny smiled lightly. “It’s just a conversation between them, Hayz. You wouldn’t want to be a part of it. Go upstairs and get some rest.”
I pressed my lips together. “Alright, Johnny! I’ll head up now. See you later.”
Benjamin’s POV:
As soon as Hayley stepped inside and the car door closed, the dynamic between Johnny and me changed. The tension in the air was unmistakable. We both stayed silent, but for the first time, I felt a sense of pressure that I wasn’t used to. After all, Johnny’s influence reached far beyond what most people could imagine. His family had once produced an Alpha King. Knowing Hayley’s connection to Johnny, with him being her godfather, made her position beneficial for both her and the Southwells.
I was still mulling this over when Johnny’s gaze met mine, and he spoke. “Ben, honestly, Hayz is like a daughter to me. I know everything about her family and her temperament. If you’ve chosen her, you’d better take good care of her. Don’t let her suffer.”
He paused, then added, “As for your mother, there are things I probably shouldn’t mention, but I have to remind you: As long as I’m around, no one will bully Hayley.” His voice was calm, yet there was an undeniable warning in it. It was clear that something my mother had said upset him.
I understood the message loud and clear and gave him a solemn promise. “Mr. Estrada, you have my word. Hayley is my fiancée, and one day, she’ll be the Luna of our Midnight Pack. I will protect her with everything I have. Not even my mother can change that. You can trust me.”
Johnny’s face softened when he heard my words. He nodded. “Good. I hope you keep your word. And if you don’t? Even though you’re an Alpha, I have ways of holding you accountable,” he added, his tone sharp.
I nodded and said my goodbyes. As I stepped out of the car, I watched as Johnny’s vehicle drove off. Suddenly, Hayley appeared, tapping me lightly on the shoulder. She looked at me seriously and asked, “What did Johnny say to you?”