Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Iris’s POV

I stirred my soup absentmindedly, letting Uncle Thomas’s words wash

over me while I observed everyone around the dinner table. His voice

was smooth as silk, talking about some business venture that would

supposedly benefit the Stone family greatly.

“-and with the new investment opportunities opening up, our family

could really strengthen its position-”

My hand suddenly stopped mid–stir. I’d been half–listening, but

something in his tone made me pay attention. It was too practiced,

too perfect.

“If I didn’t remember all the little things he’s done over the years, I

might actually believe him,” I thought, watching Thomas’s earnest expression. My eyes drifted to Noah, who was nodding along, seemingly impressed by my uncle’s speech. His eyes were bright with

interest, completely buying the act.

“So Catherine picked Noah as my ‘next option,” I realized, studying his eager face. “And he seems more than willing to play along.”

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Robert cleared his throat, drawing my attention. “Iris, ever since you

left Stone family territory, your stepmother and I have been so worried. A young female wolf living alone… it’s just not safe.” His face

was a perfect mask of paternal concern.

I nearly laughed out loud. Instead, I nodded politely while thinking, “Robert’s definitely a step above the women in manipulation. His

pretty words almost sound sincere.”

“We’d feel much better if you were closer to family,” he continued,

reaching for his wine glass.

I watched them all carefully as dinner concluded and we moved to the living room. Catherine was smiling too much, and Kim kept shooting me these weird little glances. When I noticed our half–finished drinks glasses being carried into the living room, every instinct I had went

on high alert.

“How thoughtful,” I murmured, watching Kim arrange the glasses on

the coffee table.

“I saw everyone had barely touched their drinks,” Kim explained with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Seemed a shame to waste them. I brought them over so we can continue our chat. This is special

imported wine we got just for you.”

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Catherine gestured toward a fruit platter on the side table. “Iris, have

some fruit. Kim and I went to the farmers market this morning

especially. Everything’s so fresh.”

“Let’s all have some,” I suggested innocently. “I haven’t had home-

prepared fruit in ages.”

The brief flash of annoyance in Catherine’s eyes was almost

imperceptible, but I caught it. She nodded stiffly. “Of course. Robert,

would you help me in the kitchen?”

As the three of them disappeared into the kitchen, I moved quickly. I

picked up my drink and sniffed it carefully. The familiar scent

beneath the drink was unmistakable.

“Wolf’s bane,” I whispered to myself. “They’ve dosed it with wolf’s

bane.” This particular herb temporarily disabled a werewolf’s shifting

abilities and had strong aphrodisiac properties. “Clever plan. Disable

me and then push me toward Noah.”

I heard footsteps coming from the hallway and looked up to see Noah

returning from the bathroom.

“Sorry about that,” he said with a smile. “Didn’t mean to disappear.”

“So Noah isn’t in on their plan,” I thought, watching him settle back

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onto the couch. I glanced toward the kitchen where hushed voices

were conferring. “Those three are probably deciding exactly how to

handle me.”

I looked down at my drink, then at Kim’s identical one sitting nearby.

Without hesitation, I switched them, careful to place her glass exactly

where mine had been.

“Planning to drug me?” I thought grimly. “Let’s see how you like a

taste of your own medicine.”

Noah leaned forward, his brow furrowing slightly. “What are you

thinking about? You look so serious.”

I adjusted my expression quickly. “Oh, nothing important. Just

thinking about a project at Crescent Design.”

Before he could respond, the kitchen door swung open. Catherine led

the procession, carrying a platter of sliced fruit, followed by Robert

and Kim. I noticed their eyes immediately went to my hand, where I

was bringing the drink to my lips. All three wore subtle smiles of

satisfaction.

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