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?"

"Yasmin, don't talk to Grandpa like that!" Blair scolded.

When Preston heard what was going on, he got cold. "She's not even part of the Bennett family. Whether she comes or not, who cares? Jonah, tell everyone the banquet's starting!"

"I'd like to see who dares!" Hayden smashed a teacup on the floor, making things even more awkward.

Just then, Allison walked into the banquet hall. Jonah was the first to spot her and quickly went to greet her. "Ms. Bennett, you're finally here!"

Allison nodded at Jonah 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 be mad, right?"

Allison was in a pink 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 face and unique elegance, she had a certain charm.

Hayden looked at Allison, super pleased. His late wife used to love wearing coats, and Allison's outfit made him 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 to him, and Hayden held her hand, not wanting to let go. "Allison, I really don't know how much longer I can protect you."

Allison gave a helpless smile. "Grandpa, it's your birthday. No gloomy talk allowed. You're in great health, and with me around, you've got nothing to worry about!"

Hearing her words, Hayden was overjoyed, laughing heartily, his mood lifting instantly.

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

"Grandpa always favors Allison!" Yasmin grumbled, feeling a bit miffed as she sat with Blair.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Blair, usually quick to comfort Yasmin, just stared at Allison with a complicated look on her face.

Seeing 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 shameless of her to come back!"

Yasmin, feeling aggrieved, replied, "Gemma, you know Grandpa's favorite is Allison. As soon as Grandpa came home, Allison came back!"

Gemma, the daughter-in-law of Hayden's cousin, wasn't super close to the Bennett family but had a good relationship with Preston, which is why she was at the banquet.

Hearing Yasmin's 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! I got you a collectible gemstone ring!"

She opened the gift, and everyone around gasped in admiration.

Gemma, giving Allison a hostile look, said, "This is a top-quality emerald ring, isn't it? Must've cost a fortune! Yasmin is the most filial, isn't she, Mr. Hayden Bennett?"

Allison ignored the 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 know how to greet your elders?"

Gemma started making a scene, and Allison finally looked up at her coldly. "Who are you?"

With just that one sentence, Gemma turned red with fury, pointing at Allison with a trembling hand, unable to speak.

Hayden chimed in, "Yeah, who do you think you are, daring to criticize Allison?"

Gemma might have been able to pull rank on Allison, but she wouldn't dare in front of Hayden. "Hayden, I'm Flynn's wife." Flynn Bennett was Allison's uncle.

Hayden looked at Gemma sternly and said coldly, "So you're Flynn's wife. Instead of being filial to your in-laws at home, what are you doing in Skycrest? If you have nothing to do, go back. Skycrest isn't a place for just anyone!" Hayden directly issued an eviction order, and Jonah came over. "Mrs. Gemma Bennett, please leave!"

Gemma's face turned red with anger, and she was furious with Allison. "Hayden, I know you don't like us poor relatives, but I have to say this! Over the years, it's been Preston and Blair who have been filial to you. Jasper is the rightful heir of the Bennett family. Why does Allison get to sit here? I can leave, but she must go too. Allison is the disgrace of the Bennett family!"

Yasmin was so happy with Gemma's words that she almost applauded.

Hayden was about to explode with anger, but Allison stood up from her seat and directly slapped Gemma across the face. "How dare you act so presumptuously in front of Grandpa? Who do you think you are? Mind your business." The slap caught everyone off guard, and Yasmin was stunned. Preston was furious and rushed over to slap Allison, but Hayden stopped him. "You dare to touch Allison!"

With Hayden's protection, Preston had to stop, but he looked at Gemma, a hint of heartbreak flashing in his eyes.

Allison, who was closest to Preston, saw this and her pupils dilated in shock.

But people's subconscious actions were the most genuine. Allison's judgment couldn't be wrong. Then Allison seemed to realize something as she turned to Blair, who seemed puzzled, indicating that Blair clearly didn't know either.