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

Chapter 156 The airport, the people around them, the waiting client-all of it faded for a moment.

Arnold was watching her the way he always did, with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. He didn't blink, didn't waver. Then, with that deep, steady voice of his, he spoke.

"When are you free these days?" "Whenever I'm not free," she answered evenly.

The client, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow, surprised by her distant tone toward the Alpha.

Arnold, however, didn't react. Instead, a small, knowing smile played at the corners of his lips. He tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Alex misses you." Sarah stilled.

Alex.

She had been prepared for anything-manipulation, teasing, even veiled threats -but not this. Not the mention of Alex.

A flicker of something softened in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant. She forced herself to remain detached.

"I already spent twith him this month," she said coolly. "I don't have tfor more." Arnold raised an eyebrow at that, his expression unreadable. But he didn't press further. He only gave her a long look, then stepped back.

They parted without another word.

As soon as he was gone, the client turned to her with barely concealed curiosity. "Are you and Arnold a couple?" Sarah's reaction was instant. "No." Sharp. Absolute.

The client chuckled awkwardly. "You look good together." Sarah said nothing.

She didn't owe anyone an explanation.

The next few days were relentless. STARLINE Stuwas busier than ever, with major clients lining up for negotiations. Cole was among them.

When he walked into the building, his sharp eyes scanned the bustling environment, assessing. But before he could move toward his destination, he encountered someone unexpected.

Flora.

She flushed the moment she saw him, smoothing her hair quickly as she stepped forward. "Mr. Cole," she greeted, her voice carrying an eager sweetness.

Cole inclined his head in polite acknowledgment. He didn't say much.

He knew who she was one of Linda's friends, someone who hovered in influential circles but never quite belonged in them.

The employee beside Flora spoke up, eager to make introductions. "Mr. Cole, this is Flora, our company's design director." Cole gave a brief nod. "I know." Flora's smile brightened. "Would you like to sit and chat for a while?" But Cole's attention had already shifted.

Past her, across the room, he spotted Sarah. She was working, her expression focused, her presence effortlessly commanding.

Something in his chest tightened slightly.

Without hesitation, he responded, "Not today. I don't have time. I am going over there and talk about things".. Then, without another glance at Flora, he walked away toward Sarah.

Flora barely concealed her frustration as Cole walked away without another word. Her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging into her palms until it stung.

She forced herself to take a deep breath, but resentment simmered beneath her calm exterior.

Why was Cole always indifferent to her? No matter how much she tried to gain his attention, his gaze never lingered. And yet, with Sarah...

She glanced toward the window and saw Cole approaching Sarah, his posture relaxed, his expression unreadable. Flora bit the inside of her cheek. Even if she didn't want to admit it, there was something different in the way he interacted with Sarah.

Meanwhile, Cole had already reached Sarah's side.

"Sarah," he greeted, his voice steady but carrying an unusual warmth.

Sarah looked up from the stack of papers she was reviewing. She hadn't seen Cole in weeks, not since their last tense exchange before he left for his clan's affairs. She had thought he would remain distant, yet here he was, standing before her like nothing had changed. "My company is hosting a reception this weekend," he continued, watching her carefully. "Will you be attending?" Sarah didn't hesitate. "I will." Cole smiled slightly, as if pleased with her response.

Over the past few months, his attitude toward her had shifted tically. Where there had bonde been hostility and indifference, there was now courtesy, even something bordering on familiarity. He wasn't the sman who had once regarded her with skepticism. Still, Sarah didn't overthink it. Regardless of his reasons, Cole had helped her in critical moments. Attending his event was the least she could do.

"Good," Cole said. "It'll be an honor to have you there."

Before their conversation could continue, a few employees approached Sarah with work-related inquiries Seeing that she was busy, Cole stepped aside but didn't leave. Instead, he stood nearby, listening to the discussion and occasionally adding a comment of his own. Upstairs, Linda finished her meeting and noticed Flora looking visibly upset.

"What's wrong?" Linda asked, adjusting the bracelet on her wrist.

Flora pointed toward the window. "Cole's down there." Linda followed her gaze and saw Cole talking to Sarah. He wasn't just conversing -there was a particular gentleness in his demeanor. It was enough to make Flora uneasy.

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