Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

The Alpha King is unavailable 19

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 with nothing but

defeat.

potentially more valuable than her first-place prize money.

of my talent by Gregory

off stage when a

"After you, Mrs. Winters."

His tall frame towered over most

people around us.

his

I murmured, surprised by his gentlemanly

the stairs, disaster struck. My long dress

heart leaped into

humiliation of falling.

me instantly. Lucas had moved with preternatural speed, preventing

fall.

low and gentle. "These

respectful. He steadied

balanced, he offered his arm with

backstage."

hand on his forearm. His presence felt reassuringly

emotional rollercoaster of

215

felt Ethan's gaze burning into us. Hils amber eyes had

tight enough that I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin. The sight of another Alpha touching his mate

Contestants gathered their belongings while staff members damantled

by admirers, basking in their praise. Her smile was back in place,

was among Victoria's

she gushed over Victoria's

proclaimed, loud enough for me to hear

"Everyone knows your

to ignore them, keeping my head high. But Isabelle noticed me and smirked

Olivia! Congratulations on second place," she called out. "At

right?"

tone made my blood boil. My hands clenched

sides.

I replied coolly. "Though I wonder if the results

of our designs."

narrowed dangerously. "What are

always determine winners in competitions like these," I

feigned innocent outrage. "The judges made their

they?" I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "Are you certain

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

made sure Victoria won!"

grabbed Isabelle's arm, her

enough to leave marks.

Victoria hissed

in her malicious enjoyment to notice Victoria's panic. She cooned guilty oblivious to the damage she

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

into pure horror. Her eyes darted around frantically.

Her fingernails dug deeper into her friend's

distress. "It's not like it's a secret

Ethan

tovers you ove'

Favers who over whom?"

their conversation like a knife. All three of

- especially Victoria's, who