Chapter 732 Acceptance

“Yes.”

Benjamin admitted it openly, his voice steady and unwavering. “It’s precisely because I know she’s unhappy that I want to be by her side, to do the things she wants to do.

“All I want is for her to spend the rest of her life feeling free and content. I want to see her smile more often.”

Hearing this, Bill’s expression gradually softened, but a shadow of worry still lingered in his eyes, as if something else weighed on his mind.

“I know better than anyone that living freely is the most exhilarating way to live. But Hayley isn’t just your mate–she’s also a vital member of Shadow Pack, my beloved granddaughter. I don’t want her to face any trouble or criticism.”

“She won’t,” Benjamin declared, his voice rising with conviction. “I swear on my honor as Alpha of Midnight Pack–I will stand by her, support her, and handle any trouble that comes her way!

“I promise, I’ll protect her!”

He didn’t want Hayley to be someone who constantly second-guessed herself, always worrying about rules and others’ opinions.

He wanted her to live boldly and authentically, to be as free-spirited and genuine as a child.

Bill looked at him, at a loss for words for a long moment.

As a man himself, he could tell Benjamin wasn’t making empty promises. His determination came straight from the heart–he truly wanted to protect Hayley’s happiness.

In that instant, Bill suddenly felt old.

Or perhaps he’d been old for a long time now.

Old enough to be timid, to fear everything, to crave only the comfort of the present, and to forget to look to the future.

Maybe Benjamin was right. Temporary peace doesn’t guarantee a lifetime of security. No one knows if tomorrow or disaster will come first. Rather than living cautiously, it’s better to embrace each day and live to the fullest.

They were old now. They shouldn’t force Hayley to live the same withdrawn, uneventful life.

Besides, his granddaughter Hayley had inherited his Alpha position long ago–she was extraordinary, and there was no one who could truly harm her.

Now, with Benjamin, the Alpha of Midnight Pack, at her side, what more was there to worry about?

As long as she was happy, she should be free to do whatever she wanted.

Benjamin was the one who truly considered things from Hayley’s perspective.

The worry on Bill’s face finally faded away. He nodded slowly, realizing he had finally found someone who loved Hayley even more than they did.

“Alright, remember what you’ve said today, Benjamin. If you ever fail to keep her safe and happy, neither Dorothy, nor anyone in Shadow Pack will ever forgive you!”

“Don’t worry, Bill.” Benjamin’s gaze was unwavering. “For the rest of my life, I’ll make sure Hayley is happy and free.”

Bill gave a slight nod, then, remembering something about Irving, warned, “Your brother is a menace. Deal with him as soon as possible, or one day, he’ll ruin the life you and Hayley are building together.”

“I’m already working on it. I haven’t let up for a moment,” Benjamin replied seriously.

With that, Bill couldn’t find any more faults to pick. He nodded again. “As long as you know what you’re doing. From this moment on, I’m officially entrusting Hayley to you. You’d better cherish her.”

“Thank you, Bill! I promise I won’t let you down!” Benjamin said with genuine warmth.

“It’s not about letting me down! What matters is you don’t let Hayley down!” Bill teased.

Benjamin let out a quiet laugh. “She’ll never be disappointed in me.”

Bill didn’t press the matter further. “Come on, let’s head back. If we’re gone any longer, Hayley will think I’m giving you a hard time!”

Hayley’s POV:

I hadn’t expected Grandpa and Benjamin, who’d left with such serious faces, to return all smiles and laughter.

It looked like their talk went well.

I felt a wave of relief and happiness, knowing Grandpa could fully accept Benjamin as my mate.

Since we were leaving for Coldridge City the next day, I stayed up late that night to give Grandma another needle therapy session.

By the time I finished, it was already deep into the night.

I left her room and headed straight for the house where Benjamin was staying.