Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Iris’s POV

I sat perfectly still in my contestant chair, watching Megan Claire

strutting across the stage with the confidence of someone who

believed they’d already won. Her burgundy dress caught the spotlight

as she gestured dramatically at the projection screen behind her–at

MY design.

So that’s why she looked so smug when she passed me earlier. She staged this whole thing. She actually stole my design.

“The inspiration for this piece came to me during a moonlit walk,”

Megan explained to the panel of five judges, who were nodding

appreciatively. “I wanted to capture how moonlight dances across

water, creating this ephemeral, almost magical effect.”

I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.

She’s reciting my initial concept notes almost verbatim. But she only saw my preliminary sketches with the basic ‘moonlight on water concept. She has no idea how I evolved the design to incorporate deeper symbolism – the protective curves representing a mother wolf, the diamonds placed to

mirror specific constellations visible from Moonshade Bay.

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“The diamond placement here,” she continued, pointing to the

projection, “represents drops of water catching moonlight, while the

silver curves mimic gentle waves.”

She even got the flower symbolism wrong. That’s not what the curved

lines represent at all.

I watched the judges exchange impressed glances, whispering to each

other and making notes. A cold smile tugged at my lips. Enjoy your

moment of glory, Megan. It won’t last long.

Taking a slow, measured breath, I considered my options. Jumping up

now to accuse her of theft would only make me look unhinged and

desperate. That’s exactly what she wanted–for me to lose my

composure and discredit myself.

Thank god I submitted two different designs–one under my name and

another as Aurora. She has no idea I’m Aurora, and that’s my ace.

I glanced down at my portfolio, where my backup presentation sat

ready. I’d prepared for something like this–not specifically theft, but

some form of sabotage. Living with the Stone family for years had

taught me to always have contingency plans.

She must have followed me that day I left my sketches at Marcus’s office.

I remember feeling watched but dismissed it as paranoia. I should have

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trusted my instincts.

Megan finished her presentation with a rehearsed humble smile that

made my skin crawl. As she walked back to her seat, she passed by

mine, throwing me a triumphant look and the slightest arch of her

eyebrow. The challenge in her eyes was unmistakable.

She thinks I’ll explode. She wants me to make a scene. I smiled placidly

back at her, which clearly threw her off. The flash of confusion in her

eyes was worth holding my tongue.

I’m not the same impulsive Iris who would have confronted her

immediately. I’ve learned patience from watching predators like

Catherine.

I discreetly tucked my backup presentation into my folder. The host

announced a five–minute break before the next presenter. Around me,

the other contestants were reviewing their notes or checking their

phones. None of them knew the drama unfolding right before their

eyes.

My name would be called third. Perfect timing. I’d let Megan think

she’d won until the very last moment.

“Will our next presenter please come to the stage,” the announcer

called after the break. “Ms. Iris Stone.”

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My heart pounded a steady rhythm as I stood up. This is it. My first

battle as just Iris–not Mrs. Grey, not Stone’s daughter. Just me.

Walking toward the stage, I felt surprisingly calm. This was my

chance to prove myself not just to Megan or Sebastien, but to the

entire design community. I stepped onto the platform, the spotlight

warm on my skin, and faced the audience with a confidence I’d earned

through years of silent work.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Iris Stone, the third contestant in

today’s design finals.” My voice came out clear and steady, carrying

across the silent room. “But some of you might know me by another

name.”

I inserted my USB drive into the computer, and my slideshow

appeared on the screen. “Aurora.”

The word hung in the air for a moment before a collective gasp

rippled through the audience. I watched the judges‘ expressions shift

from polite interest to shock. One of them actually dropped his pen.