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

Chapter 157

Linda, however, wasn't concerned. "He's just being polite. STARLINE Studio is valuable to him. It's business."

Charles, who had just arrived, caught part of the conversation and frowned. "What's going on? Where's Cole?"

Flora pointed again. "Down there. With Sarah."

Charles turned toward the window and immediately scoffed. "Come on, don't overthink it. Cole and Sarah? They're not dating. That's ridiculous.”

Flora glanced at him, reassured by his certainty. "You're sure?"

"A hundred percent," Charles said confidently. "Cole isn't the type to get involved with someone like Sarah."

Despite his words, Flora couldn't shake the unease settling in her chest.

***

Cole, meanwhile, had noticed the subtle glances from the second-floor window. Linda and Charles were watching. Without acknowledging them, he gave Sarah a small nod and excused himself.

Upstairs, he joined the others, engaging in small talk as expected. But on the drive home, his mind was elsewhere.

Out of nowhere, he turned to Charles and asked, "When does Arnold's rejection ceremony take place?"

aback by the question. He hadn't thought Cole cared

there's been a delay," Charles explained. "Something about a company under Arnold's name-it needs a transfer of ownership before

Cole nodded. "I see."

sign of what he was thinking. But

***

night of

day buried in work, finalizing projects before leaving for the event. By the time they arrived, the venue was already filled with well- dressed

carried a crisp elegance, mingling with the faint notes of champagne and expensive cologne. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow over the crowd, their reflections shimmering off the marble floors. Soft classical music wove through the conversations, adding a sophisticated backdrop to the

waiting near the entrance when he spotted

Sarah, and for a brief moment, he stopped dead in his

blue, smooth satin that traced her figure without being overly revealing. The off-shoulder

simple silver necklace rested against her skin, subtle yet refined. Her hair was styled in soft waves, cascading over her shoulders, and her

seen her countless times before-at work, at meetings, even

effortless about her presence, something

stand out, and yet, she

passed through his eyes. He wasn't the type to be easily moved by appearances

after two seconds, he regained control, his expression

at Leo as well. "Glad you could

replied, her

shimmering details that caught the light as she moved. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, her lipstick a bold crimson that added to the overall

moment she saw