Chapter 543: Don’t Have to Listen to You

Hayley’s POV: 75% +8 Pearls

Grandpa’s face darkened when he saw her, and instantly, he stepped protectively in front of me. He glared at Freya and slammed his cane heavily against the floor. “Do you think a person like you, who harmed her mother, disrespected her elders, and barged into someone else’s home uninvited, has the right instead?”

“Mrs. Laurel and Mrs. Virginia are living, breathing people. They have the right to decide for themselves. They don’t need to listen to your orders!”

As the former Alpha of the Shadow Pack, Grandpa radiated an overwhelming and oppressive presence. Freya hesitated under his aura and instinctively retracted her wolf fangs.

She swept her gaze around the room before narrowing her eyes and asking, “So, the Carsons are determined to stand against me?”

“We don’t have to do that,” Grandpa said coolly. “The Carsons don’t seek trouble, but we don’t fear it either. We’ll step in when we see someone being bullied.”

“If you want to take these two ladies away, you should first figure out how to explain to the police why the driver and bodyguards you hired nearly took the lives of your mother and grandmother!”

Grandma, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke in a sharp, commanding voice. Freya stiffened as if struck in a sore spot. Her face froze for a split second before regaining its usual arrogance. “I don’t need to explain anything to you. I’ll ask just once—are you letting them go or not?”

“Hmph.” Grandpa and Grandma snorted in unison before turning their heads away in perfect sync, completely ignoring her.

I felt both proud and deeply touched by their unwavering stance. But this was my mess, and I wouldn’t let them get dragged into it. I gently reassured Grandpa and Grandma before stepping forward to confront Freya myself.

After a brief moment of thought, I suggested, “How about this? Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. Laurel have been through a terrible ordeal today. It’s not suitable for them to travel. Let them rest here for the night, and tomorrow, I’ll personally escort them back. How does that sound, Ms. Sander?”

One night would be enough for me to get things done. Freya stared at me in silence, her expression easing as if she were about to agree.

But just as she parted her lips to speak, Mrs. Laurel cut in. “No need!” Mrs. Laurel declared with a resolute expression. “I’ll go back with you. Let Virginia stay.”

“Your mother is in this condition. It won’t affect you whether she stays here or elsewhere. But if you control me, you can feel at ease.”

Upon hearing that her mother-in-law intended to sacrifice herself, Virginia rushed forward in protest. “No, Mom, you can’t do this!”

However, Mrs. Laurel had already made up her mind. She patted Virginia’s hand twice, her gaze deep and meaningful. “Stay here. Take care of yourself. And don’t you dare die before me—remember that!”

With that, she forcefully pulled her hand away from Virginia’s grasp and walked out. Virginia tried to chase after her, but I quickly stopped her.

I could see it clearly. Mrs. Laurel had steeled herself to sacrifice her safety in exchange for her daughter-in-law’s freedom. It would be better if fewer were trapped in the hellish place controlled by the Sanders.

With Mrs. Laurel gone, Freya didn’t linger either. She turned and left without another word.

I personally arranged for Virginia to stay in the guest room next to mine. “Mrs. Virginia, I’m sorry you’ll have to put up with this place for a few days. If you need anything, I’ll go out and buy it for you tomorrow.”

“It’s fine, my dear. I don’t need anything. Don’t trouble yourself.” Virginia was gentle and easygoing. When she was lucid, she exuded an innate elegance that came naturally. The familiar scent on her reminded me of Hera—it was comforting in a way I couldn’t explain.

I smiled when I looked into her kind and affectionate eyes. I wanted to stay and chat with her longer, but time was tight. I quickly found an excuse. “Please rest well then. I have something to take care of, but I’ll come check on you later.”

“Alright, go on. Don’t let me hold you up.” Virginia gave me a gentle wave.

Leaving Virginia’s room, I headed straight for my own. I took out my long-forgotten laptop. This plan had to be executed on this very device. 5.2K