The Billionaire's Forbidden Longing

Chapter 42 Banquet Turmoil

Willowbrook High School had this one student who was so amazing that all the teachers couldn't stop bragging about her. The principal even got a shoutout from the Department of Education and managed to snag a scholarship for Allison. But Allison? She couldn't care less. She was knee-deep in some system project, pulling all-nighters. At first, it was just to pay the bills, but now she was totally into it.

Time flew by, and before she knew it, it was Friday. Hayden's birthday was today, and early in the morning, Allison got a call from Jonah. "Hey, Ms. Allison Bennett, it's Mr. Hayden Bennett's eightieth birthday today. There's a birthday bash at the Azure Palace Hotel at 6:30 PM. Mr. Hayden Bennett would love to see you there!"

"Thanks, Jonah. I've got a gift ready. Don't worry, I'll be there!" Allison assured him.

Jonah finally relaxed after hearing that.

Normally, Allison's mom would handle this kind of thing, but Jonah decided to give her a heads-up just in case.

By evening, the Azure Palace Hotel was buzzing. Preston wanted to invite all their business partners, but Hayden was all about keeping it low-key with just family, close friends, and a few key business folks.

Blair knew Hayden wanted to introduce Allison to the company's bigwigs, so she didn't tell Allison, hoping she wouldn't show up.

When Allison still hadn't arrived, Hayden asked Blair, "Where's Allison? Why isn't she here yet?"

Blair forced a smile. "I called her. Whether she comes or not, I don't know!"

Hayden glared at Blair, sneering, "You're her mother, and you don't even care about her. You probably didn't even call her, did you? How shameless!" He then went to sit at the main table, clearly annoyed. "Let me make this clear. If Allison doesn't show up, the banquet won't start."

He banged his cane on the floor, making everyone go silent and leaving Blair super embarrassed. Yasmin muttered, "It's not Mom's fault. If Allison doesn't come, what does it have to do with us?"

to Grandpa like

cold. "She's not even part of the Bennett family. Whether she comes or not, who cares? Jonah, tell everyone

like to see who dares!" Hayden smashed a teacup on the floor, making things even

the banquet hall. Jonah was the first to spot her and quickly went to greet her. "Ms. Bennett,

was out getting a birthday gift for Grandpa, so

pink coat, a white shirt, and jeans. Compared to Blair's fancy burgundy evening gown and Yasmin's luxurious white

feel like his wife was there with him. "You little rascal. Come, sit next to me so I can have a good look at you!" Allison sat next

gloomy talk allowed. You're in

her words, Hayden was overjoyed, laughing heartily, his mood lifting

make Hayden genuinely happy, but that didn't sit

favors Allison!" Yasmin grumbled, feeling a bit

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stared at Allison with a

Yasmin felt even more uncomfortable. Just then, a relative from the Bennett family came over and, spotting Allison, whispered to Yasmin, "Yasmin, is that Allison? Wasn't she kicked out of the Bennett

aggrieved, replied, "Gemma, you know Grandpa's favorite is Allison. As soon

cousin, wasn't super close to the Bennett family but had a good relationship with Preston, which is why she was at the

words, Gemma got furious and glared at Allison. "What a scheming girl. Yasmin, you have to be careful. I think she's after the family fortune!" Yasmin didn't respond but brought a box over to Hayden. "Grandpa, happy birthday!

and everyone around gasped in

it? Must've cost a

drama and poured Hayden a fresh cup of tea, not even glancing at Gemma, which made her even angrier. "Allison, what kind of attitude is that? Don't you

and Allison finally looked