Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

Chapter 19: Unexpected Opportunities

(Olivia’s POV)

Gregory Hayes’s perfectly styled brown hair caught the light as he took his position at center

stage.

“Congratulations to our winners,” he began, his voice carrying throughout the room. “I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing all the designs personally.”

His hazel eyes found mine across the stage. A warm smile spread across his face.

“While the judges have made their decision, I’d like to share that Olivia Winters‘ moonstone crystal design was particularly innovative.” His eyes shone with genuine appreciation. “In fact, it was my personal favorite.”

Murmurs rippled through the audience. I stood frozen, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Victoria’s smile twitched at the edges. Her fingers tightened around her award.

“Which is why,” Gregory continued, his voice growing more enthusiastic, “Canis Enterprises has decided to extend our traditional internship opportunity not just to the first–place winner, but to our second and third–place finalists as well.”

The crowd gasped collectively. Several people turned to stare at me.

“This is unprecedented,” Gabriel Morrison explained, his voice tinged with excitement. “Typically, only the first–place winner receives the coveted Canis internship.”

I watched Victoria’s face transform. Her carefully maintained composure cracked wide open.

Her eyes widened with shock and disbelief. Her perfectly painted lips parted as though she’d

been slapped.

“Ms. Winters, Ms. Hughes,” Gregory addressed us directly. “We would be honored to have you

join our design team alongside Ms. Frost.”

Sophia Hughes let out a tiny squeak of happiness. Her hands trembled as she clutched her

third–place certificate.

Joy surged through my heart, unexpected and powerful. The internship at Canis Enterprises was a dream opportunity.

With Alexander Thornton’s mentorship, I could take my healing crystal career to heights I’d

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< Chapter 19 Unexpected Oppo..

never imagined possible. This could change everything.

+8 Points>

“Thank you,” I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice despite the emotions churning

inside me.

As the ceremony concluded, people began to exit the stage. Victoria and Ethan deliberately

walked past me.

Her midnight blue gown swished dramatically with each step. Her eyes met mine briefly, burning with barely contained fury.

She had expected to triumph completely. To leave me with nothing but the bitter taste of

defeat.

Instead, I’d received something potentially more valuable than her first–place prize money. The

recognition of my talent by Gregory Hayes himself.

I turned to follow them off stage when a deep voice spoke beside me.

“After you, Mrs. Winters.”

Lucas Blackwood gestured politely toward the stairs. His tall frame towered over most of the

people around us.

His dark gray suit emphasized the breadth of his shoulders. Unlike Ethan’s cold demeanor, Lucas radiated respectful courtesy.

“Thank you,” I murmured, surprised by his gentlemanly behavior.

As I descended the stairs, disaster struck. My long dress caught beneath my heel.

I stumbled forward with a small gasp. My heart leaped into my throat as I anticipated the

humiliation of falling.

Strong hands caught me instantly. Lucas had moved with preternatural speed, preventing my

fall.

“Careful,” he said, his voice low and gentle. “These stairs are treacherous.”

His touch was firm but respectful. He steadied me without lingering inappropriately.

Once I was balanced, he offered his arm with a slight bow. “Allow me to escort you safely

backstage.”

I accepted gratefully, placing my hand on his forearm. His presence felt reassuringly solid

after the emotional rollercoaster of the evening.

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Face the room, I felt Ethan’s gaze burning into us. Hils amber eyes had darkened

Has ja olehed tight enough that I could see the muscle jumping beneath his skin. The sight of another Alpha touching his mate even in such an innocent context clearly infuriated

Backstage buzzed with activity: Contestants gathered their belongings while staff members damantled equipment.

otona stood surrounded by admirers, basking in their praise. Her smile was back in place, though noticeably more strained than before.

Isabelle Stone Ethan’s cousin, was among Victoria’s admirers. Her sharp features animated

Favers who over whom?”