Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

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Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

(Olivia's POV)

Gregory Hayes's perfectly styled brown hair caught the light as he took his position at center

stage.

"Congratulations to our winners," he began, his voice carrying throughout the room. "I've had the pleasure of reviewing all the designs personally."

His hazel eyes found mine across the stage. A warm smile spread across his face.

"While the judges have made their decision, I'd like to share that Olivia Winters' moonstone crystal design was particularly innovative." His eyes shone with genuine appreciation. "In fact, it was my personal favorite."

Murmurs rippled through the audience. I stood frozen, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Victoria's smile twitched at the edges. Her fingers tightened around her award.

"Which is why," Gregory continued, his voice growing more enthusiastic, "Canis Enterprises has decided to extend our traditional internship opportunity not just to the first-place winner, but to our second and third-place finalists as well."

The crowd gasped collectively. Several people turned to stare at me.

"This is unprecedented," Gabriel Morrison explained, his voice tinged with excitement. "Typically, only the first-place winner receives the coveted Canis internship."

I watched Victoria's face transform. Her carefully maintained composure cracked wide open.

Her eyes widened with shock and disbelief. Her perfectly painted lips parted as though she'd

been slapped.

"Ms. Winters, Ms. Hughes," Gregory addressed us directly. "We would be honored to have you

join our design team alongside Ms. Frost."

Sophia Hughes let out a tiny squeak of happiness. Her hands trembled as she clutched her

third-place certificate.

Joy surged through my heart, unexpected and powerful. The internship at Canis Enterprises was a dream opportunity.

With Alexander Thornton's mentorship, I could take my healing crystal career to heights I'd

1/5

< Chapter 19 Unexpected Oppo..

never imagined possible. This could change everything.

+8 Points>

"Thank you," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice despite the emotions churning

inside me.

As the ceremony concluded, people began to exit the stage. Victoria and Ethan deliberately

walked past me.

Her midnight blue gown swished dramatically with each step. Her eyes met mine briefly, burning with barely contained fury.

triumph completely. To leave me

defeat.

received something potentially more valuable than

of my talent by

to follow them off stage when a

"After you, Mrs. Winters."

the stairs. His tall

people around us.

gray suit emphasized the breadth of his shoulders. Unlike Ethan's cold demeanor, Lucas

murmured, surprised by

the stairs, disaster struck. My long

My heart leaped

humiliation of falling.

hands caught me instantly. Lucas had moved with preternatural speed, preventing

fall.

his voice low

was firm but respectful. He steadied

offered his arm with a slight bow. "Allow me to escort

backstage."

hand on his forearm.

the emotional rollercoaster

215

Ethan's gaze burning

his skin. The sight of another Alpha touching his mate

gathered their belongings while staff members damantled

smile was back in place, though noticeably more strained

was among

she gushed

Isabelle proclaimed, loud enough for me to hear

by "Everyone knows your

my head

Congratulations on second place," she called out.

right?"

tone made my blood boil. My hands clenched

sides.

Isabelle," I replied coolly. "Though I wonder if the results truly reflected

of our designs."

dangerously. "What are you

in competitions like

"The judges made their decision

I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "Are

to provoke me further, laughed dismissively. "Oh please,

made sure Victoria won!"

dramatically. She grabbed Isabelle's arm, her fingers digging in

enough to leave marks.

Victoria

in her malicious enjoyment to notice Victoria's

ordered the judges to give her first place! He told them specifically that Vetova's design was to be awarded

transformed into pure horror. Her eyes darted around

Botria whispered fercely. Her fingernails dug deeper

Isabelle continued, blind to Victoria's distress. "It's not like it's a secret

Ethan

tovers you ove'

Favers who over whom?"

like a

flashed across their faces - especially Victoria's, who clearly feared Ethan's disapproval of such