Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Iris’s POV

I sat cross–legged on my hotel bed, scrolling through photos I’d taken

earlier of the stunning Lake Como views. The balcony door was

cracked open, letting in the cool night air and the distant sounds of

water lapping against the shore. The door to the bathroom opened,

and Rachel emerged wrapped in a fluffy white hotel robe, vigorously

drying her hair with a towel.

I glanced up, surprised. “You didn’t go with that hot guy from the

pool? I was sure you wouldn’t be back tonight.”

Rachel laughed, flopping down on her own bed. “What hot guy?”

“Come on. Mr. Eight–Pack with the perfect tan who couldn’t take his

eyes off you? The one who kept ‘accidentally‘ splashing water your

way?” I raised an eyebrow. “I saw how you were looking at him.”

“Oh, him.” Rachel grinned, tossing her wet towel toward the bathroom. “Maybe tomorrow. First night in Italy, I wanted to actually see our room before passing out. Besides, vacation flings should

never happen on the first night–seems desperate.”

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Chapter 136

I nodded, but found myself studying her expression. She seemed oddly nonchalant about the whole thing, which wasn’t like Rachel at

all. Usually, she’d be giving me a detailed breakdown of every hot guy

within a five–mile radius. Something was off.

My phone suddenly blared to life on the nightstand, vibrating against

the wood surface. I reached for it, then froze when I saw the name on

the screen: Catherine Stone.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, staring at the phone like it

might bite. “When I blocked Sebastien’s number, how did I forget

about the rest of them?”

Rachel sat up straighter. “Who is it?”

“Catherine.” I let the phone continue ringing, watching it vibrate

across the nightstand with disdain.

“Your evil stepmother tracked you down in Italy? That’s some next-

level stalker shit.”

The call finally stopped, only to start again seconds later. Catherine’s

name flashed on the screen once more.

“Persistent, isn’t she?” I said, declining the call. Not even thirty

seconds passed before it rang again.

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“God, what is her problem?” I groaned, hitting decline again. “We’re halfway across the world, and she still can’t leave me alone.”

Rachel watched me with concern as the phone rang for the fourth

time. “Maybe you should just answer it and find out what she wants.

She’s clearly not going to stop.”

I caught the slight tension in Rachel’s jaw. She’d witnessed firsthand

how Catherine’s manipulations had affected me over the years.

“You’re right,” I sighed, staring at the vibrating phone. “Let’s see what

new scheme she’s cooked up this time. Might as well get it over with.”

When the phone rang again, I swiped to answer, putting it on speaker

so Rachel could hear. “What?” I said flatly, not bothering with

pleasantries.

“Iris? Oh, thank goodness you answered!” Catherine’s voice was

uncharacteristically sweet, dripping with fake concern. “I was getting

worried. Were you busy? I hope I’m not interrupting anything

important.”

I rolled my eyes at Rachel, who made a gagging motion. “What do you

want, Catherine?”

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