Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

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

< 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.

215

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

as she gushed over Victoria's victory.

"You absolutely deserved first place," Isabelle proclaimed, loud enough for me to hear as

passed by "Everyone knows your design was superior."

I tried to ignore them, keeping my head high. But Isabelle noticed me and smirked maliciously.

"Oh, Olivia! Congratulations on second place," she called out. "At least you got something,

right?"

Her deliberately patronizing tone made my blood boil. My hands clenched into fists at my

sides.

"Thank you, Isabelle," I replied coolly. "Though I wonder if the results truly reflected the quality

of our designs."

Victoria's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What are you implying?"

"Only that merit doesn't always determine winners in competitions like these," I said, my emerald eyes flashing with challenge.

Victoria feigned innocent outrage. "The judges made their decision fairly."

"Did they?" I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "Are you certain about that?"

Isabelle, eager to provoke me further, laughed dismissively. "Oh please, everyone knows Ethan

made sure Victoria won!"

Victoria's face paled dramatically. She grabbed Isabelle's arm, her fingers digging in hard

enough to leave marks.

"Isabelle, stop-" Victoria hissed urgently.

But babe was too caught up in her malicious enjoyment to notice Victoria's panic. She cooned guilty oblivious to the damage she was doing

Nepractically ordered the judges to give her first place! He told them specifically that Vetova's design was to be awarded first place, regardless of what anyone else submitted."noveldrama

botas expression transformed into pure horror. Her eyes darted around frantically. packing anyone important had overheard

Tabele Botria whispered fercely. Her fingernails dug deeper into her friend's arm.

What Isabelle continued, blind to Victoria's distress. "It's not like it's a secret that

Ethan

tovers you ove'

Favers who over whom?"

Bhan's deep voice cut through their conversation like a knife. All three of us froze instantly.

Victoria and isabelle turned slowly Panic flashed across their faces - especially Victoria's, who clearly feared Ethan's disapproval of such underhanded tactics.

"Ethan Victoria recovered first, greeting him with a nervous smile. "We were just discussing the competition results"

Ethan's expression remained neutral, giving no indication whether he'd heard their earlier conversation. The silence stretched uncomfortably.

I took the opportunity to slip away, having heard exactly what I needed to confirm

my

suspicions

After changing into more comfortable clothes and removing my makeup, I headed

toward the underground parking garage. My forced smile faded immediately once I was alone.

Reality crashed back. Despite the unexpected opportunity with Canis Enterprises, the second-place prize money wouldn't be enough.

Not enough for the special burial ground I'd hoped to secure for Lily's ashes. Grief closed around my throat like a fist.

A sleek black vehicle pulled up beside me as I approached my car. The window lowered smoothly, revealing Lucas Blackwood's handsome face.

"Mrs. Winters," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "I was hoping to speak with you left."

I paused, surprised by his interest. "Alpha Blackwood."

you

before

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What pe

"Your crystal design was exceptional," he said, his eyes reflecting genuine

appreciation. "The application of moonstone in that configuration could

revolutionize healing techniques."

"Thank you." I replied, touched by his recognition of the work I'd poured my heart

into.

Td like to discuss a potential collaboration," Lucas continued, his deep voice warm with

interest. "My pack has been researching similar healing applications for some time. Perhaps

we could combine our knowledge."

Hope rekindled in my heart, bright and sudden. A collaboration with the Moonstone Pack

could provide the resources I needed for Lily's burial.

"I'd be interested in hearing more," I said, unable to hide the eagerness in my

voice.

Lucas smiled, gesturing to his car. "Would you join me for dinner to discuss the details? My driver can return you to your vehicle afterward."

His driver emerged and opened the passenger door for me. Without hesitation, I accepted the

invitation.

From a distance, Ethan watched this exchange. His face darkened with anger as I stepped into

Lucas Blackwood's car.