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.

To leave me with nothing but the bitter

defeat.

received something potentially more valuable than

talent

turned to follow them off stage when a deep voice spoke

"After you, Mrs. Winters."

stairs. His tall frame towered over

people around us.

of his shoulders.

I murmured, surprised

the stairs, disaster struck. My long dress caught

stumbled forward with a small gasp. My heart leaped into my throat as I

humiliation of falling.

caught me instantly. Lucas had moved with

fall.

his voice low

respectful.

with a

backstage."

my hand on his forearm. His presence felt

emotional rollercoaster

215

gaze burning into us. Hils amber eyes had

muscle jumping beneath his skin. The sight of another

activity: Contestants gathered their belongings while staff members

their praise. Her smile was back in place, though noticeably

Ethan's cousin, was among Victoria's admirers. Her sharp features

she gushed over Victoria's

deserved first place," Isabelle proclaimed, loud enough for

by "Everyone knows your

my head high. But Isabelle noticed me

second place," she called out. "At least you

right?"

blood boil. My hands

sides.

you, Isabelle," I replied coolly. "Though I wonder if

of our designs."

dangerously.

determine winners in competitions like these," I said, my emerald eyes flashing with

"The

refusing to back down. "Are you certain about

eager to provoke me further, laughed dismissively. "Oh please, everyone knows

made sure Victoria won!"

Isabelle's arm, her fingers

enough to leave marks.

stop-" Victoria

caught up in her malicious enjoyment to notice Victoria's panic. She cooned guilty oblivious

specifically that Vetova's design was to be

into pure horror. Her eyes darted around frantically. packing anyone

Botria whispered fercely. Her fingernails dug deeper into her friend's

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

Ethan

tovers you ove'

Favers who over whom?"

cut through their conversation like a knife. All

and isabelle turned slowly Panic flashed across their faces - especially Victoria's, who clearly