Crippled Luna's Farewell Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception novel Chapter 172

Even if Leo hadn’t reserved a management position for her, that didn’t mean she was out of the game. If she had Colton’s backing, she wouldn’t need Leo’s favor to secure a foothold.

He sipped his drink and remained silent, letting the conversation play out.

… .

Since the end of last year, Sarah had already planned to dedicate more time to her research.

Giving STARLINE Studio to people who are good at managing it was a decision she made after discussing with Leo, and professional management talents should be recruited for the specific management work.

This is for the sake of the long-term development of STARLINE Studio. What's more, Sarah is not a person who likes to take over the power.

Recently, her focus had been entirely on her thesis. She had poured countless hours into refining it, fine-tuning every argument, ensuring every piece of data supported her conclusions.

By the time she finally submitted it to Colton, exhaustion clung to her like a second skin.

That afternoon, she received his reply.

**Colton:** *[Come over with Leo this evening.]*

Sarah stared at the message for a moment, then exhaled slowly. Colton wasn’t one for unnecessary words....his invitation likely meant he had serious feedback.

When they met later that evening, Colton wasted no time. After their initial discussion, he leaned back in his chair and regarded her with an appraising look. “I’m quite optimistic about your research results,” he said. “There are several people who want to meet you. A business meeting is coming up in a few days....I want you to attend it as my disciple.”

Sarah didn’t hesitate. “Good.”

Her response was simple, but her mind was already working through the implications. Colton’s approval carried weight, and if he was recommending her, it meant doors were about to open.

As they ate dinner, the conversation drifted toward STARLINE Studio. Leo, ever casual, remarked, “Saw Linda’s resume this afternoon. Passed it off immediately.” He smirked, shaking his head. “Don’t know how she, of all people, has the audacity to keep submitting applications to our studio.”

Sarah chuckled softly but said nothing.

Leo’s tone was dismissive, but Sarah knew that Linda wasn’t the type to give up easily. She was ambitious....calculating. She wouldn’t stop at rejection. There was always another angle, another route to what she wanted.

Later, as they finished eating, Leo brought up another matter. “There’s a business seminar tomorrow. Dozens of companies will be attending.” He wiped his mouth, then added, “I’ll be traveling, so I need you to represent STARLINE.”

Sarah nodded. “No problem.”

The next day, she arrived at the conference on time.

As expected, the venue was filled with high-profile executives, business leaders, and media representatives. The air buzzed with conversations, calculated negotiations happening at every table. Sarah moved with quiet confidence, aware that her presence carried significance.

She had been here before....not just physically, but in the intricate web of corporate strategy where alliances were formed and broken in a single handshake.

Arnold paused for a moment after his remark, his gaze lingering on Sarah as if waiting for some kind of reaction. But when none came, he withdrew, turning his attention to the other guests.

His voice took on a lighter tone as he exchanged pleasantries with various executives, seamlessly slipping into the role of a refined host.

Sarah, meanwhile, remained in her seat, her focus unwavering. The meeting had begun, and she had no interest in distractions. She listened attentively to each speaker, analyzing their words, noting key points in her notebook with precise, deliberate strokes.

The seat beside her remained empty, an unnoticed vacancy until, nearly half an hour into the discussion, the sound of soft but deliberate footsteps echoed through the hall.

Heads turned....late arrivals at formal business meetings always drew attention.

Dalton.

He exuded confidence even as he entered belatedly, his tailored suit crisp, his expression composed. But the moment his gaze landed on the woman seated next to his assigned chair, his steps faltered, just slightly.

Sarah.

He hadn’t expected to find her here.

A thought flashed through his mind: she deserved to be in such a meeting?