Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

An Assistant

Hayley's POV:

It was as if Benjamin lived in a world apart from ours. He didn't spare Vivian so much as a glance, instead,

focusing all his attention on slicing the steak on my plate with reticulous care.

Once he finished, he gently

slid the pieces in front of me.

“This steak is top quality tonight. Try it," Benjamin said with a soft smile.

I speared a piece, chewed thoughtfully, and swallowed. My eyes narrowed slightly

as I smiled back at him. "You're right. It's excellent."

Benjamin's lips curled in quiet satisfaction. He didn't say any more, simply lowered his gaze and continued his meal with elegant composure.

my head to glance at the backyard. My voice was calm but carried authority as I instructed Steven, "If she wants to kneel, let her

melted away. He strode back to the table in three quick steps, ducking his head and leaning in close to whisper in my ear, “Next time, can you use a different nickname?

matter how you say it, it sounds like I'm just some errand

replied,

to mean?" Steven scowled at me, clearly

I'll call you

I ignored him completely.

for a way

my grandfather intervened to save him from embarrassment. "Mr. Lowe,

"Sure thing!"

the only one truly enjoying the meal. The rest of us ate in

of the house staff, came in to clear the table. Suddenly, Vivian darted into the dining room, snatched the tray from Marie's hands, and hurriedly started piling dishes

bewildered, her

it," I reassured her. "Just think

would I need an assistant?" Marie replied, flustered by the

She likes doing

nodded quietly and