Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 230

Talia’s POV

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The remaining performances wrap up quickly. One by one, the last contestants file on and off the stage, their numbers called, their scores displayed. But none of them come close to touching what Robin and I achieved together.

We secure first place with a perfect score of one hundred

points.

Imema and Aeson come in second with an average score of

ninety–eight. Respectable, but not nearly enough for people who thought they had victory locked in.

After the event, Electra, Jack, and I are about to head to a

restaurant to celebrate when a voice calls out from behind

1. me.

“Ms. Jackson.”

I turn. To my surprise, it is one of the judges. Noah Hodge.

The foreigner who tested my Norvish and gave me the

recognition I deserved. He stands a few feet away, his posture relaxed, his expression warm.

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“Could we talk in private?”

I nod. I exchange a quick word with Electra and the others, a brief murmur of explanation, then follow Noah to a quieter area away from the crowd.

Noah’s eyes are striking. They focus on me with an intensity that feels attentive but not intrusive. He studies me like I am a piece of music he is trying to learn, measuring every note.

With a warm smile, he says, “Ms. Jackson, I have heard that you are also an exceptional pianist.”

He reaches into his jacket and pulls out an invitation card. The paper is thick and cream–colored, embossed with gold lettering. He hands it to me.

“In three days, Mr. Adler will be hosting a music symposium.” He tilts his head. “Would you be interested in attending?”

Gerard Adler, the legend whom all musicians admire from afar, like a distant star that never seems to come closer. My mother spoke of him with reverence, like a sacred name in our household.

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My eyes light up the moment I see the invitation. Five years ago, I missed Gerard’s invitation.

The opportunity slipped through my fingers like water, lost to pregnancy and marriage and the slow erosion of my dreams. Now, I do not even have the chance to meet him, let alone

receive another invitation.

I truly want to attend the symposium. The thought of being in the same room as Gerard, of hearing him speak, of breathing the same air as greatness, makes my heart quicken.

But accepting such an invitation without offering anything in return feels undeserved. I have learned that lesson the hard way. Nothing in this world is free. Every gift comes with strings attached.

I look at Noah, my gaze steady. “Mr. Hodge, if there are any conditions, please let me know beforehand.”

Author’s POV

Noah was slightly surprised. Most women would have grabbed the invitation without a second thought. They would have gushed, thanked him, and promised anything; they

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would have seen the gold lettering and lost all sense of

caution.

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But Talia asked for the terms, which made him admire her

even more.

He had always been fond of this kind of woman, the kind who didn’t take handouts. The kind who wanted to earn what she

received, who valued herself enough to negotiate.

Watching Talia on stage, he had already found her stunning. Her elegance, her poise, the way she commanded attention without seeming to try. She moved like water, smooth and unstoppable. She was the type he was naturally drawn to, the kind of woman who lingered in his thoughts long after

she left his sight.

She did not meekly endure James‘ unfair treatment. She did not cry or beg or appeal to pity. Instead, she fought back with strength and skill, proving her talent and making James look like a fool in front of everyone. She turned his attack into

her victory.

She responded to every question with ease and confidence. Her brilliance was undeniable, a light that cut through the dimness of the auditorium like a blade. 4/9

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would have seen the gold lettering and lost all sense of

caution.

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But Talia asked for the terms, which made him admire her

even more.

He had always been fond of this kind of woman, the kind who

didn’t take handouts. The kind who wanted to earn what she

received, who valued herself enough to negotiate.

Watching Talia on stage, he had already found her stunning.

Her elegance, her poise, the way she commanded attention without seeming to try. She moved like water, smooth and unstoppable. She was the type he was naturally drawn to,

the kind of woman who lingered in his thoughts long after

she left his sight.

She did not meekly endure James‘ unfair treatment. She did not cry or beg or appeal to pity. Instead, she fought back with strength and skill, proving her talent and making James

look like a fool in front of everyone. She turned his attack into

her victory.

She responded to every question with ease and confidence.

Her brilliance was undeniable, a light that cut through the

dimness of the auditorium like a blade. 4/9

15:19

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< Chapter 230

A woman like her, beautiful and intelligent, was irresistible.

Noah had already decided to pursue her.

He did his research. He learned more about her background.

She had been married before. She had a child. But in an

open–minded society like his, this was hardly considered a big deal. People had pasts. People had histories. What mattered was the present. What mattered was who she was

then.

Knowing she excelled at the piano, he obtained the invitation to the music symposium to cater to her interests. He wanted to give her something she would truly value, not just another trinket or token. A man with his resources could buy jewelry.

He could not buy genuine passion.

Although Gerard was strict in selecting his students, as a member of one of the four great families in Norvish, obtaining an invitation to the symposium was not particularly difficult for Noah. His name opened doors that remained locked for others. His family’s influence stretched across

borders.

However, Talia did not react the way other women had in the

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past. She did not eagerly accept the invitation, clutching it to her chest like a prized possession. She did not play coy and refuse, waiting to be persuaded with sweeter offers.

She asked him upfront, and even though Noah had always

believed that a man giving a woman gifts was a natural

thing. It was how he was raised. But Talia challenged that

belief.

She made him work for it, treating his offer as a transaction,

not a charity.

With his high emotional intelligence, he smiled and said,

“James is part of our judging panel, and his behavior caused

you a lot of unnecessary trouble.” He held up the invitation. “Consider this my way of making it up to you.”

Talia raised an eyebrow. Her expression was skeptical. “How did you know I play the piano, Mr. Hodge?”

Noah chuckled, a low, pleasant sound. “I am your fan.”

Talia was no longer an innocent young girl who could be easily deceived by pretty words and charming smiles. She had been burned too many times to trust so easily. Aires’s neglect. Imema’s schemes. Nick’s attacks. She had learned 6/9

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that sweet words often hid bitter intentions.

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If Noah had truly wanted to compensate her, he could have offered anything else. Money. Connections. A formal apology from the judging panel. Yet he chose the one thing she needed most. A ticket to the symposium.

Under normal circumstances, she would have refused. She

would have thanked him politely and walked away. But right now, she needed this invitation. The symposium could change everything. It could open doors she thought were permanently sealed, leading to opportunities she had only

dreamed about till now.

So she asked again. “What do you need me to do, Mr.

Hodge?”

Noah could tell she was not the type to accept favors lightly. And so, he didn’t push. Instead, he changed tactics like the master manipulator he was.

“Ms. Jackson, your linguistic talent is impressive.” He gestured toward the stage where she had performed. “Our team

is looking for a translator. Someone young, beautiful, and highly skilled.”

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He paused, letting the words settle. “Would you be

interested?”

Talia hesitated. Her brow furrowed in thought. “But my main profession is playing the piano.” She shook her head slowly. “I

am not sure I…”

Noah cut her off gently. “Ms. Jackson, don’t worry. You do

not need to work every day. We would only require your

assistance when needed and when you are available.”

He held up a hand, ticking off points on his fingers. “Our team covers a wide range of fields. You would only handle

music–related translation, which aligns with your expertise.”

He continued, his voice calm and professional. “As for compensation, we would give you fifty percent of the contract amount. Travel, accommodations, and meals will be

covered. If the other party breaches the contract, we will also

provide fifty percent of the penalty fee.”

The conditions were exceptionally generous- unusually so.

Noah led a world–class translation team. It was far from

a small–scale operation, and in fact, the contracts they

handled were worth many times what ordinary translators 8/9

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earned in a year. Joining such a team would be a great

opportunity.

She might even get to meet renowned musicians, network

with people who could further her career and build

connections that could last a lifetime.

After weighing her options, Talia quickly agreed. “Alright.”

Noah extended his hand. “Then, Ms. Jackson, I shall be

looking forward to working with you.”

Talia smiled and shook his hand. “So do I!”

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