Chapter 754 HB Jewelry
Hayley’s POV:
For some reason, Truman’s face flashed through my mind for a split second. I must be losing it. Seriously. To chase away such a ridiculous thought, I threw myself into responding to Benjamin with more enthusiasm. We kissed until we were both breathless, reluctantly breaking apart only when we had no choice. Hera’s urge to mate with him surged again–I had to coax her for a long time to get her to settle down. Our foreheads rested against each other, arms wrapped tightly around one another, sharing the rhythm of our heartbeats.
“Mmm…” Henry happened to pass by us right then and couldn’t help teasing, “Am I interrupting something? Should I come back later?”
Benjamin let go of me and turned his head, clearly annoyed. “What is it?” “Someone’s here to see Hayley,” Henry said. “Who?” I asked, puzzled. It was barely past dawn–who’d come looking for me now? “That Humbert guy from the auction yesterday,” Henry explained. “Said he’s got an answer for you.” “Well, that was quick.” I raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Go ahead,” Benjamin said. “I’ll wait for you at the restaurant.” “Alright. I’ll be there soon.”
With that, I followed Henry downstairs to meet Humbert. In the hotel lobby, Humbert was fidgeting on the couch. The moment he saw me, he stood up and greeted me, “Ms. Carson.” “Sit, Mr. Byrd. You can drop the formality. I’m not used to that,” I said as I sat across from him. Henry, understanding the cue, tactfully stepped aside to wait. “So, have you made up your mind?” I asked, glancing at the contract for equity transfer lying on the table between us. Humbert nodded solemnly. “It’s been ten years. I took over this company before I even graduated. Every ounce of my youth, all my passion–it’s all poured into this place. It’s become part of my life. I can’t just stand by and watch it fall apart in my hands. So please, Ms. Carson… save this company.” His sincerity made me chuckle. “Now you think a low-tier Omega like me has what it takes to turn around a hundred-year-old jewelry brand?” “I believe in you,” Humbert said firmly, locking eyes with me. “Honestly, the moment I saw you yesterday, I was already drawn in by the power and confidence you radiated. And then, that raw stone really did turn out to be the rare sapphire you said it was. How could I not believe in you?”
With that, he pushed the contract toward me. A quick glance confirmed what I suspected–he was transferring all his shares to me. I held the papers in my hand but didn’t sign them. Because I couldn’t. My identity was too complicated. Too many packs and their interests were tied up behind me. If anyone found out Byrd Jewelry was mine, Freya would definitely team up with the Winterbite Pack and make a move to take me down. “Is something wrong, Ms. Carson?” Humbert asked, concern in his voice. I slid the contract back to him and said, “I can’t be the face of it. I have to stay behind the scenes." Humbert was no stranger to the real business world–he caught on right away. There are always shadow players behind the legal names on paper. He nodded, then cracked a joke. “Are you planning to play the shadow government–pulling the strings from behind?” I grinned. “Exactly. You run the show; I’ll handle the strategy. We split the profits. Sound good?” “Ms. Carson, I’d be honored. I accept completely.” He agreed to everything without hesitation. As I walked him to the door, Humbert suddenly added, “The Cyclone Pack just received a shipment of imported raw gems. I’ve already been invited to the preview. Would you like to come with me?” “Absolutely,” I said without pause. “And once we’re back, let’s change the name of Byrd Jewelry.” “Change it to what?” Humbert asked, surprised. “HB,” I said. The initials of me and Benjamin. Just saying Benjamin’s name made my heart go warm and soft. “HB?” Humbert thought it over and then nodded. “Got it. I’ll have someone start designing a logo right away.” “No rush,” I said with a casual wave of my hand. This was going to be a surprise for Benjamin. And the logo? I’d design that myself. After Humbert left, I headed straight for the restaurant. Benjamin had already ordered breakfast for me. As soon as I sat down, he handed me the coffee he’d been holding.
Chapter 754 HB Jewelry
“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip. “Did everything go okay?” he asked casually. “Pretty well.” I was in a good mood. Then I remembered what Humbert said and added, “I might need to fly out to Cyclone Pack in a couple of days. Want to come with me?” Benjamin looked a little conflicted. “Could we delay it a bit? I’m swamped right now.” “Oh, no worries,” I said lightly. “You handle your stuff, and I’ll take care of mine.” Even though I didn’t want to be apart from him either, I knew even the closest couples needed space. Having our own careers was the only way to love each other long-term. And to make it last, we had to get used to brief separations. Besides, I wasn’t some delicate little flower that grew in a greenhouse. I wasn’t the fragile kind of Omega. Benjamin thought for a moment, then said, “At least take Zayd and the others with you.” “I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m going for business, not a vacation,” I said, shaking my head. “Still, when you’re out in the field, it’s best to have bodyguards. If there’s trouble, let them handle it first,” he said, giving me a concerned look. His words were oddly familiar, and I couldn’t help but tease, “You want them to protect me? Honestly, I think it’s more likely I’ll be the one protecting them.” Benjamin froze for a beat, then gave me a helpless smile. Still, he insisted, “I know you’re insanely strong, but the Cyclone Pack is chaotic. I just can’t relax if you go alone.” I knew he was only worried about me, so I didn’t argue anymore. But then a thought struck me–one that immediately chilled the warmth in my heart.