Chapter 2 You're Hayley, Aren't You?

• "Enough! You ugly and uncultured Omega, stop acting so naive! I can't stand it anymore." Henry snapped, clearly fed up.
• The disdain was palpable in the silence of his other brothers.
• I had to bite my inner cheek to keep from laughing outright at their disgusted expressions. Masking my amusement, I portrayed a wounded facade as I followed them into the villa.
• A servant showed me to my room, overly decorated in what they must have thought was every girl's dream—pastel blues and overflowing with brand-name fashion items.
• I feigned awe at the designer labels, only increasing their revulsion.
• As we descended the stairs later, I caught snippets of Henry venting to his brothers, "Thank goodness she's not triggering any mate bonds. Imagine being tied to such a tasteless Omega for life!"
• I smirked inwardly, pleased with my decision to mask my scent beforehand. These brothers were definitely not what I was looking for, and thankfully, the feeling was mutual.
• ...
• Before arriving, I had my people dig into the Southwells' background. Their elders enjoyed traveling, and Benjamin Southwell, the Alpha heir, was rarely home due to his duties.
• Despite having their own places, their Alpha grandfather had summoned all of them back because of me.
• I joined them at the dining table, served by the staff. Tanner, sitting opposite me, appeared to have reached his limit and addressed me.
• "As a globally acclaimed fashion designer, Ms. Carson, there are numerous outfits I've coordinated upstairs. I recommend you try one on."
• I glanced down at my simple dress and responded nonchalantly, "My grandmother made it. I think it's quite nice."
• Tanner sighed and dropped the subject.
• Henry then cut to the chase, "Look, Ms. Carson, let's be clear: none of us are interested in marrying you, and Ben will never like you. It's best you leave on your own."
• I feigned a hurt look, biting my lip, "But how would I explain that to Grandpa?"
• "I suspect you're just after our wealth," Henry accused, his face flushing with anger. "Stay, and you'll only invite trouble."
• I adopted a meek Omega pose, silently continuing with my meal, giving no ground to his bluster.
• Maybe my act was too convincing because the four of them barely touched their dinner before leaving.
• Alone at last, I relished my meal, enjoying the flavours that the Southwells' kitchen had perfected.
• Mission accomplished: No one in the Southwells took a liking to me, and I could leave the Midnight Pack within a year.
• After eating, I returned to my room and received a message from my assistant.
• Alpha, have you made it to Astoria? How are things? Is anyone from the Midnight Pack giving you trouble?'
• I smirked as I typed my response, 'Those Southwells think they can push me around? Even disguised as an Omega, my cunning won't let them.'
• He cautioned me, 'Alpha, you're amazing! And don't underestimate the Alpha heirs of the Midnight Pack, especially the first Alpha heir, Benjamin Southwell. He's sharp. Be cautious around him!'
• I muttered 'Benjamin Southwell' under my breath with a dismissive scoff.
• He might be the primary Alpha heir of the Midnight Pack, but I have already assumed the Alpha leadership of the Shadow Pack.
• Hierarchy-wise, he was still beneath me.
• After setting my phone aside, I settled in for the night.
• I woke up around four a.m., thirsty.
• Having scrubbed off the harsh makeup, I figured it was safe to head downstairs for water since it was so late.
• I did not bother with the lights. Strangely, the bed seemed more comfortable as I drifted back to sleep.
• However, after some time, the bedroom door creaked open, and I felt the blanket lift. Half-asleep, I stirred, alert.
• Before I could fully grasp the situation, a deep, intriguing voice broke the silence, "Who's there?"
• Caught off guard, I could not believe someone from the Southwells had the audacity to enter my room in the dead of night.
• "Who are you? It's quite impolite to barge into someone's room so late?" I challenged, straining in the darkness to see who dared intrude.
• In the darkness, his face remained unseen, but I heard a cold chuckle from him. "You're Hayley, aren't you?"