Chapter 8

Connor's POV

Back in the room, I stood in front of the wardrobe, trying to pick out today's outfit. After pondering for a while, I chose a deep blue shirt, figuring it could bring out my chill vibes.

After fixing up my collar in front of the mirror, I started clipping my cufflinks. Thinking of Hailey, I couldn't help sneering.

'Wanna butter Grandpa up and manipulate me? She's cunning indeed! Well, maybe I should just let her invite Grandpa. See what she's got up her sleeve.'

Snapping out of it, I went downstairs, only to find Hailey buzzing around the dining room.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden halo on her.

She looked a bit down, probably 'cause of how I brushed her off earlier.

"You wanna invite Grandpa? Go ahead," my voice cut through the silence.

Hearing my words, she stopped what she was doing, turning around with a surprised look.

Didn't see that coming, huh?

"Y-you're cool with that?" she asked hesitantly.

I sneered, "Of course. Make sure you get tuna caviar salad and grilled ribs. Those are his favorites."

Her face lit up with a happy smile. "Got it. Thanks, Connor!"

I gave no response, just heading out of the villa.

After getting in the car, I chuckled.

Actually, Grandpa hated those dishes. Couldn't wait to see Hailey's suck-up attempt crash and burn.

I spent the entire day dealing with pack affairs in my office.

While I was working, I couldn't help but picture Hailey scrambling around at home. 'Would she be stressed over dinner and Grandpa's visit?' I wondered.

These thoughts brought me inexplicable joy.

After getting off work, I returned to the villa with Grandpa. As soon as he entered, he greeted Hailey, all smiles. It seemed he indeed liked her.

"Connor, it's great seeing you and Hailey getting along," he whispered in my ear.

"I just didn't want to let you down, Grandpa," I replied, my tone devoid of emotions.

It was not dinner time yet, so he and Hailey started to chat. He asked Hailey about how she'd been in the villa, and she answered him with respect. Compared to me, she and Grandpa looked more like family.

After a while, Hailey returned to the kitchen and brought up the dishes she had prepared during the day.

To my surprise, they weren't the dishes I had told her to make. Instead, they were some simple stuff—roasted chicken, vegetable salad, and cornbread.

Though they were basic, Frank cracked a satisfactory smile at the sight of them.

I helped Hailey set the tableware, acting like we were the perfect couple.

An astonished look flashed across her face, but she didn't refuse my help.

Her ears turned red, though.

After we both sat down, she poured me a glass of red wine. Our fingers brushed when I lifted my glass, and it felt kinda awkward. But Derek was surprisingly chill.

After dinner, Grandpa made a phone call.

A few moments later, several wolf guards came in carrying gifts.

"Hailey, I got you some presents," smiled Grandpa.

It was all fancy stuff—designer clothes, bags, caviar, foie gras, etc.

Hailey waved her hand, saying, "Thanks, Frank, but I've got everything I need. Staying in a big house, having Connor as my mate. I'm living the dream."

She didn't rat me out, even saying she was living the dream? That was a surprise.

Grandpa stroked her head and gently said, "Kid, I just want the best for you."

Hailey seemed moved, tears welling up in her eyes.

I immediately strode over, casually putting my arm around her.

Grandpa seemed even more pleased.

After making sure all the gifts were here, he bid us goodbye.

Hailey then asked, "Were you just acting? Or are you really starting to accept me?"

"Just faking it for Grandpa's sake, can't you tell?" I replied coldly.

Hailey lowered her head, looking crushed.

"The show's over. Time for you to pack up and leave," I added.

"Why?" she asked, disbelief in her eyes.

"I've told you, I don't like others in my villa. It'll disturb my rest," I replied in a flat tone.

I would never tell her how her unique scent calmed Derek down and helped me sleep, of course.

That was a vulnerability I couldn't afford.

"I ain't leaving. Frank told me to stay here. It's the Alpha's order," she said, defiant.

I couldn't believe I actually felt the urge to comfort her at the sight of her upset look.

And Derek felt it too!

I didn't get it. She was just a blip in my life, nothing more.

Fighting back the urge, I snorted, "So what? We're not in the Blaze Pack. You expect me to let a werewolf who could shift and attack me anytime stay in my house?"