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.

show, she picked up her wine glass and took a slow sip, her lips

their conversation shifting toward childhood memories

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

interested in dolls, but his eyes widened in surprise when he saw the pink bunny

It's supposed to be a prize for the top

was all smiles as she shook

doll in his arms

conversation then shifted toward gaming, their voices animated with

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

my mom is great at

eyes sparkled with excitement. "Then next time, let's have a match! My

Alex nodded eagerly. "Deal!"

rare for him to lower his guard, but watching the two children

shifting the conversation back to business. "Cole," he

thoughts, shook his head. "No issues.

an

"None." Cole confirmed.

fingers

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,

sat uncomfortably in his

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