Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

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“This never happened before,” I whispered to myself as the car pulled away. “He never treated me like this… until her.”

My hands trembled with rage as I made my way to the underground parking garage. Every step fueled my determination. “It’s all Iris Stone’s fault,” I hissed, fumbling with my car keys. “She turned him against me. She ruined everything.”

Once inside my car, I slammed the door shut and hit the steering wheel with my palm. “Fuck!” The sound echoed in the empty space around me. I took several deep breaths, trying to calm myself. Then, with newfound resolve, I reached for my phone.

I scrolled through my contacts until I found Catherine Stone’s number. I’d met her at a few pack gatherings, always noted how calculating her eyes were. We’d never been close, but I knew she’d listen if there was something in it for her.

I hit dial and waited, my heart pounding. One ring. Two rings. Three. No answer.

“Dammit!” I ended the call and stared at my phone. “Is she avoiding creditors or something?”

I tried again. Same result. My frustration mounted with each unanswered ring.

“Fine,” I muttered, switching to text messaging. “If you won’t pick up, you’ll read this.”

I thought carefully about my words, tapping out my message with precise intent:

[Not a debt collector. Meet me at Le Cirque, 7:30 tonight. I have information about Iris that you’ll want to hear. One chance to take her down. Your choice.]

I added the address of the exclusive restaurant–the kind of place that would appeal to Catherine’s expensive tastes–and hit send before I could second–guess myself.

“This will work,” I told myself as I started the engine. “Catherine knows exactly how to hurt Iris. And once Iris is out of the picture…”

I allowed myself to imagine Sebastien looking at me again the way he used to. The way he’d smile just for me. The way he’d pull me close when no one was watching.

As I drove home, I couldn’t help but picture Catherine’s reaction to my text. She was probably staring at her phone right now, weighing her options. The woman was desperate and calculating–a dangerous combination. But her hatred for Iris would override any caution.

I arrived at my apartment and immediately began planning for the evening. The restaurant needed to be perfect–private enough for our conversation but public enough that Catherine wouldn’t make a scene.

I spent the next few hours choosing my outfit, settling on a midnight–blue dress that hugged my curves while still looking professional. My hair and makeup had to be flawless–I needed Catherine to see me as someone powerful, someone worth allying with.

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14:30 Fri, Apr 10

Chapter 167

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I arrived at Le Cirque thirty minutes early, requesting a secluded booth with privacy screens. The maitre d‘ knew me from previous visits

with Sebastien and accommodated my request with a respectful nod.

“Bring your finest tea service,” I instructed a passing server. “I’m expecting an important guest.” I let my gaze sweep over the elegant

interior. “And remember, absolute discretion is required.”

The server nodded and hurried away, returning moments later with an exquisite porcelain tea set. I sat back, sampling the fragrant brew while occasionally checking my watch. Catherine would be impressed by this place–its tasteful luxury was exactly what someone like her

would aspire to.

“This is the perfect setting to reel her in,” I murmured to myself, imagining Catherine’s eyes widening at the opportunity I was about to present. The chance to finally put Iris in her place, to watch her crumble. The thought sent a thrill of anticipation through me.

I was flipping through the menu when I heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, I saw Catherine Stone hesitantly making her way toward my table, her eyes darting around as if expecting a trap. She looked more haggard than I remembered–designer clothes slightly

tdated, hair not quite as perfectly styled. The rumors about the Stone family’s financial troubles must be true.

the privacy screen, wa

her approach with caution.

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