Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

Chapter 154

The restaurant hummed with a low murmur of conversation, waiters weaving between tables, balancing trays of steaming dishes and finely plated appetizers.

The scent of roasted meats and delicate spices lingered in the air, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.

Cole sat at the head of the table, his sharp, discerning gaze flickered over the room, yet his mind was elsewhere.

He had always been good at controlling his emotions, but tonight, a subtle crease lined his brow, betraying his distraction.

Seated beside him, Flora was dressed to impress-an elegant black dress with delicate lace accents hugged her frame, her hair styled to perfection.

She had carefully curated her appearance, ensuring she looked both sophisticated and alluring.

But it seemed none of it had any effect.

"Cole, have you seen the latest design proposals from the Paris team?" she asked, her voice carrying an intentionally casual lilt. "I heard they're integrating-" She stopped mid-sentence, realizing that Cole wasn't even pretending to listen. His attention had shifted entirely, his gaze now resting on the little girl beside him. "Abby, are you thirsty?" His voice softened as he reached for a bottle of water, unscrewing the cap before offering it to her.

Abby, who had been quietly observing her surroundings, looked up at him and nodded. "A little," she admitted.

Cole handed her the bottle, watching as she took a couple of small sips. She smiled brightly. "Thanks, uncle!" Then, just as quickly, she turned her focus back to Alex, eager to resume their conversation.

Flora, momentarily stunned, forced a light laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

She wasn't used to being ignored so completely-especially not by Cole. Normally, men sought her attention, yet Cole remained distant, his indifference as firm as ever.

wine glass and took

own world, their conversation shifting toward childhood memories and the things

doll. The doll's big fluffy ears dangled down, making it a joy

eyes widened in surprise when he saw the

this before! It's supposed to be a prize for the top three finishers in the race in the arcade! Did Uncle Cole get

was all smiles as she shook her

the delicate, fluffy touch of the doll in his arms and said enviously, "That's great! When my mom is

toward gaming, their voices

is super good at games," Abby announced proudly, sitting up straighter. "She

my mom is great at games too! She never

next time, let's have a match! My aunt

Alex nodded eagerly. "Deal!"

to lower his guard, but watching the two children chat so openly brought a sense of ease that he

the conversation back to business. "Cole," he said, his tone measured, "Has there been any trouble

thoughts, shook his head. "No issues. Everything

an eyebrow.

"None." Cole confirmed.

back slightly, his fingers tapping against

had expected *something*-a complication, a delay, anything that might prove his assumptions about Sarah correct. He had been so certain that she had climbed her way up through manipulation, through clever tricks and flirtations. But if the project had progressed seamlessly, if STARLINE Studio had truly delivered with no setbacks... then that meant Sarah wasn't just competent.

realization sat uncomfortably

a book she had pulled from her bag. "Sarah was involved in this project, wasn't she?" Her voice was casual, but there was an undertone