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?"

don't talk to Grandpa like

not even part of the Bennett family. Whether she comes or

dares!" Hayden smashed a teacup on the

hall. Jonah was the first to spot her and quickly went to greet her.

and handed him the box she was holding. "I was out getting a birthday gift for Grandpa, so I was a bit late. Grandpa won't

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

sit next to me so I can have a good look at you!" Allison sat next to him, and Hayden held her hand, not wanting to let go.

it's your birthday. No gloomy talk allowed. You're in great

Hayden was overjoyed, laughing heartily, his mood lifting

the only one who could make Hayden genuinely happy, but that didn't sit well with everyone

feeling a bit miffed as she sat with

for the complete experience all for free. The next

quick to comfort Yasmin, just stared at Allison with a complicated look on her

mom's expression, 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 family? How

know Grandpa's favorite is Allison. As soon as Grandpa

Hayden's cousin, wasn't super close to the Bennett family but had a good

I think she's after the family fortune!" Yasmin didn't respond but brought a box over to

and

isn't it? Must've cost a fortune! Yasmin is the most

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 know

finally looked