Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate

Chapter 471: Abuse

Hayley’s POV:

Freya absorbed my words, her expression souring visibly. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she gave me a look of pure revulsion.

After a tense silence, her expression shifted as she concocted some malevolent response, yet she quickly masked it with a fake smile.

“Thank you for the warning, Ms. Carson, but I’m quite confident we won’t get to that point,” she said smoothly. Then, turning to Winifred and the others, her expression morphed into one of feigned displeasure. “Winifred, haven’t I told you repeatedly to ensure Grandma is handled with care and surrounded by gentle and polite staff? Look at this – so harsh and crude. If people saw this, they might think the Sanders, despite our vast resources, is neglecting Grandma and letting her suffer, ruining the reputation we’ve cultivated over generations!”

Watching her performance, I could not help but sneer silently. She was indeed a master of manipulation, turning the family upside down on her own. With a few clever lines, she not only deflected blame for the mistreatment but also threw a jab my way.

After her speech, Freya gave a discreet nod to Winifred and the others. Winifred caught on quickly, signaling the servants to pull back, giving Mrs. Laurel a semblance of space. While it appeared Mrs. Laurel was less confined, a closer look revealed that the servants had merely widened the perimeter around her. She remained tightly under Freya’s grip; her freedom was an illusion.

I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my anger in check, resisting the urge to reveal my Alpha status and give into Hera’s impulse to confront Freya directly. Winifred adopted a facade of concern, furrowing his brow at Mrs. Laurel, then launching into a reprimand. “Madam, the last time you went out on your own you fell into the river. You not only hurt yourself but almost cost the lives of the servants who went in to save you. Please, consider the consequences and stop being so headstrong!”

Mrs. Laurel, gripping her cane firmly, slammed it down twice, her eyes flashing with indignation. “Nonsense! When did I ever fall into the river? You’re quite the actress; you should consider a career in the entertainment industry!” She glanced at me with a furrowed brow as if to clarify the truth. I subtly shook my head, cautioning her to restrain herself. After a brief moment of confusion, Mrs. Laurel caught on to my cue and nodded.

Challenging her authority seemed unwise—she held all the reins within the family. It seemed wiser to bide our time.

Mrs. Laurel, understanding this, composed herself and declared coldly, “I’m tired. I’m going back to my room.”

Freya, wearing a self-satisfied smirk, directed the staff, “Quickly, take Grandma back to her room.”

“Yes!” Winifred obsequiously ushered her. “Please, Madam!”

Mrs. Laurel shot her a look of disdain, then cast a meaningful glance my way before turning to leave. Her steps were measured and firm, echoing the strength of her former self as a proud, formidable she-wolf.

I watched her retreating figure. Freya, noticing my lingering gaze, pushed, “Ms. Carson, if there’s nothing else, you should leave. I’m quite busy and can’t spare more time to talk.”

Both Hera and I were eager to distance ourselves from her toxicity. Gratefully seizing the opportunity to exit, I stepped out of the mansion. At that moment, a car horn blared from across the street. I looked up to see Tanner’s car parked there, a sight that was unexpected yet somehow timely. I made my way over to it…