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 Stuis 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. "Con, 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?" Charles blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. He hadn't thought Cole cared much about Arnold and Sarah's unresolved relationship.

"It was supposed to happen 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 take long." Cole nodded. "I see." Charles studied him, searching for any sign of what he was thinking. But Cole's expression gave nothing away.

*** The night of the reception arrived.

Sarah and Leo had spent the day buried in work, finalizing projects before leaving for the event. By the tthey arrived, the venue was already filled with well-dressed guests.

The night air inside the venue 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 evening.

Cole had been waiting near the entrance when he spotted them.

His gaze landed on Sarah, and for a brief moment, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Sarah 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 emphasized her natural grace.

A simple silver necklace rested against her skin, subtle yet refined. Her hair was styled in soft waves, cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was light, enhancing the sharpness of her gaze.

Cole had seen her countless times before-at work, at meetings, even in casual settings-but tonight, she exuded a different kind of beauty.

There was something effortless about her presence, something unshaken by the attention she received.

She wasn't trying to stand out, and yet, she did.

For a moment, a flicker of admiration passed through his eyes. He wasn't the type to be easily moved by appearances alone, but there was no denying it—Sarah was striking.

Then, after two seconds, he regained control, his expression smoothing into its usual calm as he greeted her. "Sarah," he said evenly, nodding at Leo as well. "Glad you could make it." "Of course," Sarah replied, her tone neutral.

Nearby, Linda stood in a dress that was undoubtedly designed to 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 the overall striking effect.

Yet, the moment she saw Sarah, she faltered.

She had always considered herself the more glamorous one, the one who could command a room's m attention with ease. But tonight, she had to admit-even if begrudgingly-that Sarah possessed a beauty that stood out in its quiet confidence.

Still, Linda wouldn't allow jealousy to take root. She reassured herself that Sarah was just a pretty face-an empty shell. Unlike Sarah, she had both beauty and substance. With that thought, she turned slightly, her eyes searching for Arnold's reaction.

Sure enough, Arnold's gaze had landed on Sarah, though his expression remained unreadable. He offered a simple nod in acknowledgment before looking away.

Satisfied, Linda smirked slightly. If Arnold wasn't paying her any special attention, then Sarah was of no concern.

On the other side of the room, Dalton approached Leo, offering a handshake with his usual confident air. "Leo," Dalton greeted. "I've been spending more tin Silvermoon lately-plenty of business to handle." Leo accepted the handshake but with clear reluctance.

Dalton had a habit of pretending not to see Sarah whenever she was around, and tonight was no different.

Despite standing right beside Leo, she was ignored entirely.

Sarah, however, remained indifferent, unfazed by Dalton's behavior But watching this Leo, who had beaut dynamic for a while now, found it increasingly irritating. His response to Dalton was short, almost dismissive. "I see. Busy, then." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1