Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 100

Chapter 98

Talia’s POV

Electra stares at Nick, genuine disbelief written across her features. “Let me understand this correctly. You’re saying Imema did the right thing by ruining Talia’s dress? That we should actually be grateful to her?”

Nick puffs up, utterly convinced of his righteousness. “If you want to thank us, we certainly won’t object. Just don’t come crying to us when you embarrass yourselves on stage and try to blame Imema for your own inadequacies.”

Imema tugs at his sleeve, face arranged in perfect martyrdom. “Nick, please. It was my fault, even if I didn’t

mean for it to happen. Let’s not fight.”

Nick pats her hand protectively. “You’re too kind, Imema. That’s your problem–you let people walk all over you.” He turns to me, voice hardening. “Talia, Imema apologized. Drop it. If you mess up her performance with Aeson because of this petty grudge, I’ll never forgive you.”

Electra looks at me, utterly lost. “Talia, is this how it always is? They just… rewrite reality?”

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I nod, unsurprised. “Welcome to my world.”

Electra shakes her head slowly. “If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d

never believe people could be this shameless.”

Nick hears her, and instead of embarrassment, his

self–righteousness somehow intensifies. “Everything I said is

the truth!”

I pull out my phone, letting him see the recording screen. “We have all of this on video. Shall I post it online and let the

public decide what’s true?”

His bravado crumbles instantly. “Don’t you dare post that!”

“Why not? Afraid of being exposed?”

“I’m not afraid of anything!”

“Then why can’t I share it?” I tilt my head, enjoying his squirming. “What’s the matter? Nervous?”

His face flushes crimson, words tumbling out in defensive chaos. “There are children here! I don’t want them exposed to adult drama and gossip!”

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Electra smiles sweetly. “Don’t worry, I only filmed the adults.

And I’ll blur any bystanders‘ faces. Privacy protected.”

Nick’s mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out.

“Enough.” Aires’s voice cuts through, cold and final. “The

competition starts soon. Stop this pointless arguing.”

Electra snorts. “When Talia was being attacked from all sides

with lies, you said nothing. Now that they’re losing, suddenly

you’re the voice of reason. What a devoted husband.”

Aires ignores her completely, focusing on me. “What do you

want?”

I don’t hesitate. “Exchange dresses. She ruined mine; she provides a replacement. What she wears afterward is her problem.”

He shakes his head immediately. “That dress was

custom–made for this performance. It matches Aeson’s outfit.

She can’t swap with you.”

A pause. Then: “Make another request. Or postpone–I’ll have

someone bring you a new dress.”

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I laugh, short and sharp. “My dress matches Robin’s costume.

We planned this together, practiced for weeks. But sure,

let me just grab something random off a rack and hope it

works.”

My voice hardens.

“I’ll set aside the dress issue for now. After the competition, I’II

deal with Imema properly.”

Aires’s jaw tightens. He reins in his temper with visible effort. “I’ll compensate you. Ten times the cost of your dress.”

I stare at him. “You think I can’t afford a dress? That I’m so

desperate for money I’d sell my integrity?”

His eyes darken. “Name your price.”

I glance around at the watching crowd. If I name a sum

now, Nick and the Perseus family will twist it into proof of my greed. Already, the looks directed at me have shifted- calculating, contemptuous, curious.

I could ignore their judgment for myself. But Robin is watching. Robin will be affected by whatever reputation

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follows me.

“Aires.” My voice drops. “You’re my husband. Instead of

standing with me, you’re asking me to name a price in front of everyone. Is that your message? That I’m a gold–digger

who can be bought off?”

He meets my gaze steadily. “That’s not what I meant. I just

want to resolve this.”

I almost laugh. Resolution. That’s what he calls throwing

money at the problem while protecting her.

“Here’s a thought. Instead of buying me off, why not have

someone bring her a new dress? She’s the one who ruined

mine. She can wait for a replacement.”

Aires’s expression hardens. “Talia, your dress is ruined. Even if you wear Imema’s, it might not fit properly. Why damage both of you? And Aeson’s competition—”

I cut him off. “For the last time. The person disrupting Aeson’s competition is Imema. Not me. Is. La.”

His voice turns icy. “I understand that. But this matters to Aeson. He’s your son. Can’t you set aside your pride for his 5/7

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sake? After the competition, you can name any

compensation you want.”

Aeson watches us, small fists clenched at his sides, face rigid with tension. Waiting to see what his mother will do.

A low chuckle cuts through the tension.

Raymond steps forward, that lazy smile playing on his lips. “Mr. Perseus, please stop pretending to care about Talia’s role as a mother. This competition matters to Aeson, yes. But it matters just as much to Robin.”

He lets that land, then continues, his tone shifting to pure

arrogance.

“As for your talk of money and compensation…” He waves a dismissive hand. “Do you honestly believe I care about ten times the cost of a dress? About whatever paltry sum you might offer? Talia isn’t here for your charity. She’s here because my son asked her, and she chose to say yes.”

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