Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127

Iris’s POV

I felt Ethan Lowell’s eyes on me before I turned around. His gaze was

intense, studying me with an expression I couldn’t quite read-

something between admiration and curiosity. When our eyes met, I

had the strangest feeling he was looking right through me, past the

composed exterior I’d maintained throughout this chaotic exhibition.

“Today’s work is quite impressive,” he said, his voice smooth and

measured. “Still shining just as brightly as before.”

I straightened my shoulders slightly. “You’re being too kind, Mr.

Lowell,” I replied, keeping my tone professionally cool despite the

adrenaline still coursing through my system. After the confrontation

with Megan, I needed to stay composed, especially in front of

someone as influential as Ethan Lowell.

“May I have your card?” he asked, catching me off guard. “I believe we

have much to discuss in the future.”

I hesitated for a moment. My fingertips brushed against the small

case in my pocket that held my business cards–the ones I’d had made

when I first decided to establish my own studio. The image of his

grandfather, Jack Lowell, flashed through my mind. The kindness he’d

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Chapter 127

shown me, his emotional reaction to my designs…

Perhaps maintaining contact with the Lowell family isn’t such a bad

idea.

“Of course,” I said and retrieved a card from the case in my pocket.

“This is my personal number. I’d appreciate if you didn’t share it

widely.”

His fingers brushed mine as he took the card, and I noticed how warm

his hands were. He studied the simple design–my name in silver

lettering against a pale blue background, with only my phone number

beneath.

“I understand discretion,” he said with a small nod, tucking the card

into his breast pocket. “Thank you, Ms. Stone.”

After our exchange, I remained standing near the stage area, my mind

still processing the whirlwind of events. The head judge announced

that they would take a brief recess to deliberate following the

unexpected developments. The audience buzzed with excited

whispers, many people stealing glances in my direction.

Regardless of the official outcome, I’ve proven myself to everyone here

today, I thought, feeling a strange calm settle over me. I showed them

all who I really am—both as Iris and as Aurora.

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Chapter 127

Less than thirty minutes later, the main lights dimmed, and a

spotlight illuminated the central stage. The head judge, an elderly

man with silver–rimmed glasses, approached the microphone. My

heart beat a little faster despite my outward calm.

“After careful deliberation,” he announced, his voice echoing through

the hall, “we are pleased to announce that the first prize goes to…

Aurora!”

I maintained a neutral expression, though inside I felt a small flicker

of satisfaction. Not surprise–I’d known this was the likely outcome-

but validation. This wasn’t just about winning a competition; it was

about reclaiming my identity and making a statement to the design

world.

This is just the first step of my new beginning, I thought as I made my

way to the stage. The competition itself isn’t what matters anymore.

What matters is that I’ve shown the industry that Aurora is back.

After accepting the award with a brief, polite thank you, I didn’t

linger. The last thing I needed was to be surrounded by curious

designers and journalists asking questions about my dual identity or

my history with Megan. I could feel people trying to catch my eye as I

made my way toward the exit, eager to speak with me, to connect

with the designer who had just created the biggest scandal and

comeback of the year.

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Chapter 127

I’ve had enough attention for one day, I thought, walking briskly through the exhibition hall. I don’t need to make more of a spectacle

than I already have.

Before leaving the building, I spoke briefly with the competition staff. “I’d appreciate if you could help maintain the privacy of Aurora’s real

identity,” I said to the coordinator, a woman in her forties with kind

eyes. “This is important for my personal security.”

The coordinator looked uncertain. “We’ll try our best, Ms. Stone, but

with so many witnesses today and the media already asking

questions…”

“If I may,” Ethan Lowell’s voice came from behind me. I hadn’t noticed

him approach. “I believe I have a solution.”

He stepped beside me, his presence commanding yet not

overwhelming. “The official results could announce Aurora as the

winner and Iris Stone as the runner–up,” he suggested, looking

between me and the coordinator. “This acknowledges both identities

while creating a useful separation.”

I blinked, processing the cleverness of his suggestion. “That… could

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