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

Chapter 167

"I.... uh.... hope there were no misunderstandings, sir," the manager stammered, wringing his hands. "We.... of course, we value all our guests. It was never our intention...."

Cody didn't respond. He simply gave the manager a cold glance before continuing further into the establishment.

That evening, back at home, Sarah settled into her chair, her fingers gliding over the keyboard as she reviewed the files Colton had sent.

The glow of the screen illuminated her face, casting sharp shadows across her features. She read through the documents methodically, her mind absorbing each line with unwavering focus.

The familiar rhythm of work brought her a sense of stability.

She had long since learned that emotions were unreliable companions; logic, strategy, and persistence were what truly mattered.

Just as she was making notes on an important section, the distant sound of an approaching car broke her concentration.

Sarah's hand hesitated over the keyboard. A moment later, she heard a door slam outside. Then, a child's voice pierced the quiet evening.

"Mom!"

Her expression shifted immediately. She pushed back her chair and walked to the window, parting the curtains slightly.

Below, she saw Alex jumping out of a car, his small frame illuminated by the dim streetlights. His excitement was evident.... his arms outstretched, his face beaming.

the car, and a sense

for her phone, noticing several missed calls. All from Arnold. A

on the screen, she saw a single unread

weekend,

her grip

hadn't even bothered to ask if she was available. He had simply assumed she would take

a measured breath, she stepped away

door to Sarah's room burst open with a sudden force, and before she could

Alex's voice was filled with unrestrained joy, his arms outstretched as he expected her to catch him the

Sarah instinctively leaned back, a barely perceptible hesitation

clinging to Alex's clothes was unmistakable.... Linda's floral perfume,

scent that lingered, the kind that told stories

immediately. His little arms, which had been reaching for

confusion passed over his face. His mother had always caught him before.... firmly,

before he covered up his disappointment with renewed excitement. He quickly rummaged through his book bag, pulling out a small, intricately crafted pistol

Mommy! Daddy bought this for me!

the charm, her thoughts momentarily drifting. Arnold had taken Alex out, bought him gifts, and spent time with him. She swallowed the faint ache that

she asked, keeping her

excitement palpable. Then, as if remembering something even more thrilling, he fished out another identical charm from his bag.

was an innocent hopefulness in his voice, a

hesitated for a fraction of a second before offering a polite smile. "You play with it,"