Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 97

Imema’s POV

My mouth opens before I can stop it. “If I give you my dress,

what am I supposed to perform in?”

Talia’s eyes are cold, unwavering. “You ruined my dress.

What was I supposed to perform in?”

I clutch at my story, desperate. “I already told you… it wasn’t

intentional. It was an accident-”

“Many drivers who kill people don’t do it intentionally either.”

Her voice cuts like glass.

“Should they walk free because they didn’t mean it? No, right! They are still required to compensate the ones who have been affected by the accident. You’re an adult, Ms. Volkov. Accidents still have consequences.”

I let tears fill my eyes, let my voice tremble. “It’s not that I won’t give you my dress. But Aeson… he is the only reason I’m hesitating. This competition means everything to him. He’s your son. Do you want him to fail because of this?”

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She doesn’t soften. Doesn’t flinch.

“This competition matters to Aeson. It also matters to every

other child performing. Stop using his name as a shield. If

you truly cared about him, you’d take responsibility instead of

making excuses.”

I glance around the room, waiting for the familiar support;

the sympathetic looks, the voices rising to defend me.

Nothing.

The parents stare at me with cold eyes. There is only disdain. and judgment directed at me. If someone had ruined their child’s performance outfit, dashed their competition hopes,

they’d feel the same.

“She is worried about Aeson’s results. But what about the

child whose mother she just sabotaged? Don’t they matter?”

“Did she really think she could brush this off by calling it an

accident? That everyone would just accept it?”

Panic crawls up my throat.

What’s happening? Why isn’t anyone rushing to my defense? 2/7

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Where are the people who always take my side?

Talia watches me, and for once, I can’t read her expression.

But I feel her victory like a physical weight.

The trap I set for her has closed around me instead.

Diana’s POV

Athena and I finally locate Aeson’s lounge after navigating

this labyrinthine kindergarten. The moment we step inside,

Aeson’s face lights up with surprise.

“Grandma! Aunt Athena! What are you doing here?”

Athena smiles warmly, crossing to ruffle his hair. “Today’s competition is enormously important, sweetheart. We came to cheer for you. You must win that first place!”

Aeson’s chin lifts with that familiar Perseus pride. “Ms. Volkov plays piano beautifully. We’re definitely going to win.”

My expression cools. “Imema again.”

Nick, hovering nearby as always, immediately leaps to her defense with that smarmy smile I’ve never trusted.

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“Mrs. Perseus, I know Imema doesn’t come from wealth,

but she graduated from Altheria University. She’s already

established herself in the music world. Give her more time,

and with her talent, she could become the next Serena

Jackson.”

The name lands. Even I’ve heard of Serena Jackson–a

legend in her time, known worldwide despite the era’s limited

reach. In our social circles, music appreciation is a marker of

refinement, a way for wealthy children to prove they’re more

than just money.

I learned piano myself once, years ago, when I needed to impress investors for the Perseus Group. I remember the

hours of practice, the aching fingers, the desperate need to appear cultured.

Nick presses his advantage. “Many powerful families have been invited to watch today, Mrs. Perseus. Important people.

Aires is excellent with business, but artistic matters…” He

trails off delicately. “If Talia accompanied Aeson-” He can’t

even say her name without sneering. “A housewife who can’t do anything? The Perseus family would be humiliated.”

I consider this. The boy has a point, however unpleasant his

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delivery.

“I know you’ve never approved of Imema, but this competition matters. With her supporting Aeson, he’ll perform flawlessly. Let everyone see that the Perseus family produces not just brilliant businessmen like Aires, but

extraordinary children too. They’ll never catch up.”

I study him for a long moment. Then I nod slowly.

“Fine. Tell Imema to do her best. She must not embarrass this

family.”

Nick exhales with relief, flashing Aires a surreptitious

thumbs–up.

I turn to Aeson, reaching out to straighten his collar. “You focus on your performance. Nothing else matters.”

He nods, that proud little chin lifting again.

A sharp knock interrupts. The door swings open to reveal a

teacher, face flushed with urgency.

“There’s been an incident! Ms. Volkov–something’s

happened!”

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My eyes narrow. Of course. Something always happens

around that woman.

“What kind of incident?” I demand.

The teacher stammers, “There was… an altercation. With Ms.

Perseus. Coffee was spilled, and now—”

I hold up a hand, cutting her off. I don’t need details. I know

enough.

Imema has managed to create drama, and somehow Talia is involved. Again.

I look at Aeson, whose face has crumpled with worry. At

Aires, whose expression has darkened. At Nick, already

vibrating with outrage.

The competition hasn’t even started, and already there’s

chaos.

How typical!

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