Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Unexpected Opportunity

Chapter 18: Unexpected Opportunity

(Olivia’s POV)

Ether carried Victoria in his arms, her head nestled against his chest as they walked away. I watched them disappear into the elevator feeling something inside me collapse.

My legs gave out. I slid down against my cat burying my head in my knees.

The concrete floor was cold beneath me. Cold like the emptiness spreading through my chest.

I had lost everything. My daughter. My mate. And now the money that would have secured Lily’s sacred burial ground.

“Uity‘ I whispered, my voice breaking. Tim so sorry, baby.”

Time lost all meaning as I sat there alone in the parking garage. The echo of my sobs

bounced off the concrete walls, mocking my pain.

Eventually, I forced myself to stand. The award ceremony would start soon.

I had clung to a sliver of hope that Ethan might believe me. That he would come back and at least look at Lily’s death certificate.

His cold demeanor had shattered that hope completely.

The $50,000 prize money had been my only chance. My only way to purchase the sacred burial ground for Lily’s ashes.

Now Victoria would collect it, while my daughter’s spirit remained without peace.

I straightened my dress with trembling hands. I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing me broken.

Not now. Not ever

Backstage at Lunar Tower, the atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy. Contestants fussed with their appearances, making last–minute adjustments.

Victoria stood in the center of it all, a smug smile playing on her lips. Her Full Moon Haute Couture Gown shimmered under the lights.

The midnight blue fabric accentuated her pale skin perfectly. I recognized the dress

immediately.

M

1.5

Chanter 18 Unexpected Oppo

* Points

It wasn’t scheduled for public release until next season. Only Ethan, with his connections and

wealth, could have procured it for her so early.

Victoria basked in the envious glances from the other contestants. Her eyes found mine across the room, and her smile widened.

“Yes, he loves me very much,” she announced loudly to the small group surrounding her. “He is very good to me.”

Her words stabbed through me like knives. They were meant for me. A deliberate twist of the

blade in my already bleeding heart.

I turned away, focusing on adjusting my simple but elegant dress. I refused to give her the

reaction she craved.

The ceremony began promptly at eight. Gabriel Morrison, the master of ceremonies,

welcomed everyone with practiced charm.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the annual Pack Healer’s Crystal Competition,” he announced. “Tonight, we celebrate innovation and excellence in healing crystal design.”

My hands clenched into fists as he continued. My knuckles turned white from the pressure.

“And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for,” Gabriel said, his voice rising dramatically.

“The winners of this year’s competition!”

I caught Ethan’s cold gaze across the room. He stood tall and imposing in his tailored suit.

His amber eyes were hard as they met mine. Not a trace of warmth remained in them.

“In first place, Gabriel announced, “with her revolutionary crystal arrangement for accelerated healing… Victoria Frost!”

Applause erupted around the room. The sound was deafening.

Victoria’s face lit up with practiced surprise and delight. The confirmation of her victory felt

like another blow to my chest.

I had known it was coming, but hearing it announced made it real. Made it final.

“In second place,” Gabriel continued, “Olivia Winters, with her innovative moonstone configuration!”

A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. Despite everything, I had placed second.

“And in third place, Sophia Hughes, with her remarkable design for pain management!”

2/5

Sophia’s face registered genuine shock and pleasure the yoghed by

p

expected to place

As we walked onto the stage/set the weight every geth HA,