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?"

He hadn't thought Cole cared much about Arnold and Sarah's unresolved

already, but there's been a delay," Charles explained. "Something about a company under Arnold's name-it needs a transfer of ownership before the formalities can be done. But it won't

Cole nodded. "I see."

him, searching for any sign of what he was thinking. But Cole's expression gave nothing

***

night of

in work, finalizing projects before leaving for the event.

and expensive cologne. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow over the crowd, their reflections shimmering off the marble floors. Soft classical

waiting near the entrance when

and for a brief moment, he stopped dead in his

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 emphasized

soft waves, cascading over her shoulders, and

before-at work, at meetings, even in casual settings—but tonight, she exuded a different kind

her presence, something unshaken by

trying to stand out, and yet, she

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

expression smoothing into its usual calm

said evenly, nodding at Leo as well. "Glad you

course," Sarah replied,

form-fitting, adorned with shimmering details that caught the light

the moment she saw Sarah,