Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 183

Chapter 178

Author’s POV

Raymond stepped out of the car, his presence commanding, his suit immaculate. A murmur rippled through the crowd.

“Raymond? Who is that? Never heard of him.”

A well–dressed man nearby answered, his voice low and informed. “The Capaldi family’s business has mainly operated abroad, so it is normal if you haven’t. He only recently shifted his focus back home. His power is nothing to scoff at. On par with the Perseus family’s empire.”

He paused, then added, “Too bad, though. He is already secretly married and has a child. Otherwise, I would have wanted to introduce my daughter to him.”

“Secretly married?” A woman raised an eyebrow. “Aires also kept his marriage under wraps. Is this a new trend?”

“A trend?” Another voice scoffed. “More like something shady. If a marriage is legitimate, why keep it a secret? No respectable family would hide it like that.”

The discussions buzzed around him, but Raymond paid them no attention. He turned back toward the car and extended his hand. 1/8

15.35

< Chapter 178

A long leg, wrapped in an elegant high–heeled shoe, stepped gracefully into view. The sight alone made the crowd swallow hard. That one leg was enough to spark endless imaginations. If her legs were this stunning, what must the woman herself look

like?

All eyes had been on Imema moments before. Now, they shifted completely. The crowd held their breath, captivated, waiting for the grand reveal.

Then, at last, the woman stepped out.

She wore a sky–blue dress that flowed like water, her figure tall and elegant, exuding an air of refined nobility. Her features were as delicate as an ancient painting, each stroke seemingly crafted with a masterful touch.

Her beauty was not just in her face. It was in her very essence, a timeless allure that grew more intoxicating the longer one gazed upon her.

A man in the front let out a low whistle. “Oh my god. Who is she? Which prestigious family is she from? I have never seen her before.”

“She came with Raymond.” A woman leaned in, her voice hushed. “Could she be his secret wife?”

2/8

1535

Chapter 178

“No wonder Raymond never brings her out.” An older gentleman chuckled. “If my wife looked like that, I would not want to show her off either. Too many people would try to steal her.”

Someone else laughed. “Aires’s wife is too plain to be seen in public, while Raymond’s wife is too stunning to share with the world.” He shrugged. “No comparison, no harm.”

Imema had been basking in the limelight moments ago. Now her jaw tightened. Her fists clenched at her sides. The woman who had stolen the spotlight was Talia. Wearing a dress. Just like her. She had done it on purpose.

Nick caught sight of Talia at the same moment. His eyes widened in shock. His face reddened. He stormed toward her, his strides long and aggressive.

“You-” He stopped in front of her, jabbing a finger in her direction. “How are you here? This is not a place for someone like you.” His eyes narrowed. “Oh… I get it now.”

He sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “You came here to catch yourself a rich man, didn’t you?” He raised his voice. “Talia, have you no shame? You just got divorced, and you are already looking for your next target?”

He spun around, calling out to the security guards stationed at thegentrance. “Security! Someone snuck in without an

1535

< Chapter 178

invitation! Get her out of here!” He waved his arms dramatically. “You know how expensive the auction items are. Who knows if she will try to steal something!”

A group of security guards, all former special forces, approached with disciplined steps. Their faces were stern, their movements precise. One of them scanned the crowd. “Who is here without

an invitation?”

Nick pointed directly at Talia. “I know this woman. She has no right to be here.” His voice was loud, meant to carry. “Throw her

out now!”

The security guards immediately surrounded Talia.

One of them spoke, his voice cold. “Please show your invitation.”

The annual auction was a major event, No explanation needed. Everyone attending was either rich or powerful. The items being auctioned? Each one was worth a fortune. If someone with bad intentions sneaked in–hurting a VIP, stealing valuables–no one could afford to take responsibility. Suspicious individuals had to be dealt with strictly.

Nick’s voice rose again. “Arrest her and interrogate her

immediately.” He pointed. “If she refuses to talk, feel free to use some persuasion.”

Hyople around them exchanged looks. What is going A jikesh

< Chapter 178

woman? Gold–digging? Isn’t she Raymond’s wife?

Under the weight of countless curious and judgmental stares, with security guards closing in, Talia remained perfectly

calm. Her face did not change. Her breathing did not quicken. Without a hint of panic, she reached into her purse and pulled out an invitation. Her fingers did not tremble.

She held it out. “Here is my invitation.”

Nick froze for a second. Then he snapped back, his voice sharp. “Fake! That invitation is forged!”

One of the guards took the invitation from Talia and scanned it. A soft beep sounded. Verification passed. The guards‘ expressions eased immediately. Their postures relaxed.

Nick’s breath caught in his throat. “No way.” He stared at the invitation, then at Talia. “That is impossible.” His voice cracked. Then, as if grasping for a lifeline, he jabbed a finger at her again. “She must have stolen it from someone else.”

This time, before Talia could respond, a deep, lazy voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Thorne, isn’t this a bit much?”

Nick turned sharply. Raymond stood a few feet away, his expression half amused, half indifferent. He did not raise his voice. He did not need to.

5/8

15.35

Chapter 178

“A friend of mine needs to steal an invitation just to be here?” Raymond’s gaze was steady, unblinking. “Are you underestimating her or me?”

His voice was not particularly loud, but it carried just enough for everyone around to hear.

The crowd exchanged knowing looks. A friend? So, not his wife. Still, the fact that Raymond had brought Talia to such a high–profile event was a statement in itself. He was making it clear. She was under his protection.

The way people looked at Talia shifted. Respect. Curiosity.

Caution.

Talia took back her invitation, her voice calm. “In an event like this, strict security is understandable. But accusations should not be thrown around so carelessly.” She glanced at the guards, then back at Nick. “Even those with invitations are not necessarily trustworthy. Who is to say they will not try to disrupt the auction?”

The security guards lowered their heads slightly. One of them spoke, his voice subdued. “You are right.”

They had been too rude earlier. If Talia had chosen to make a big deal out of it, they would have been the ones in trouble. Her letting it go was already a kindness. The guards felt their faces bygn.

1535

< Chapter 178

They had worked here for years. Never once had anyone dared to cause trouble at the auction. It had not even occurred to them

that someone would lie so blatantly to manipulate them.

Now, looking at Nick, their gazes turned cold.

Nick opened his mouth as if to argue. Before he could say anything, Imema gave him a small push from behind.

“Nick, let it go.” Her voice was low, urgent. “Everyone is watching.”

Aires’s voice cut through, colder than before. “Enough, Nick. Shut up.”

Tonight, the room was filled with powerful figures. Some from influential foreign families as well. Right or wrong did not matter. What mattered was that picking a fight with Talia in this setting was the worst possible move.

୮

Talia did not dwell on it. She turned to Raymond and smiled faintly. “Mr. Capaldi, shall we go?”

Raymond glanced at Aires. A flicker of something passed between them–recognition, rivalry, something older and deeper. Then he casually extended his arm.

Talia took it without hesitation. Together, they walked into the

7/8

15:35

< Chapter 178

hall.

Aires’s face darkened instantly. He took a step forward, his body already moving before his mind caught up.

Imema pulled him back, her fingers tight on his sleeve. “Alpha, the auction is about to start. Whatever it is, deal with it later.”

Aires watched as Talia and Raymond disappeared through the doors. His lips pressed into a hard line. A chilling glint flashed through his eyes, cold and sharp as broken glass.

Coin Package: get more free bonus

Write your comment

7

get it

1 Gifts