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?"

slightly taken aback by the question. He hadn't thought

"Something about a company under Arnold's

Cole nodded. "I see."

what he was

***

night of the reception

day buried in work, finalizing projects before leaving for the event. By

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

near the

on Sarah, and for a brief moment, he stopped dead

wore an elegant, understated dress tonight-midnight blue, smooth satin that traced her figure without being overly revealing. The off-shoulder design accentuated her delicate collarbones, while the fitted waistline

refined. Her hair was styled in soft waves, cascading over her

before-at work, at meetings, even in casual settings—but tonight, she

effortless about her presence, something unshaken by the attention

to stand out, and

moment, a flicker of admiration passed through his eyes. He wasn't the type to be easily moved by appearances alone, but there was

two seconds, he regained control, his expression smoothing into its usual calm as he greeted

Leo as well. "Glad you could make

course," Sarah replied, her tone

capture attention. A deep red gown, form-fitting, adorned with shimmering details that caught the light as she moved. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, her lipstick a bold crimson that added to

she