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?"

Grandpa

not even part of the Bennett family. Whether she comes or not, who cares?

who dares!" Hayden smashed a teacup on the floor,

to spot her and quickly went to greet

holding. "I was out getting a birthday gift

coat, a white shirt, and jeans. Compared to Blair's fancy burgundy evening gown and Yasmin's luxurious white dress, Allison's outfit was pretty casual. But with her beautiful

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. "Allison, I really don't know how much longer I

your birthday. No gloomy talk allowed. You're in great health, and with me

overjoyed,

genuinely happy, but

a

is where the adventure continues. Join us for

Yasmin, just stared at Allison with a complicated look

even more uncomfortable. Just then, a relative from the Bennett family came over and, spotting Allison, whispered

"Gemma, you know Grandpa's favorite is Allison. As soon as Grandpa came home,

Bennett family but

scheming girl. Yasmin, you have to be careful. I think she's after the family fortune!" Yasmin didn't respond but brought

gift, and everyone

a top-quality emerald ring, isn't it? Must've cost a fortune! Yasmin

cup of tea, not even glancing at Gemma, which made her even angrier. "Allison, what kind of attitude is

started making a scene, and Allison finally