Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 201

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 201

Iris’s POV

“No way,” Amber replied, her voice dripping with false concern. “First she traps a man in that fake marriage, then she suddenly becomes a Lowell, and now this? The girl knows how to climb the ladder, I’ll give her that.”

I’d heard enough. In the past, I might have walked away, pretending I hadn’t heard. I would have swallowed my pride and avoided confrontation. But I was tired of being everyone’s favorite topic of conversation.

I pushed the door open with deliberate force, the sound causing both women to jump. They turned toward me with identical expressions of horror as they

realized I’d overheard them.

“Well, isn’t this a coincidence,” I said calmly, watching their faces drain of color. “You two seem to be discussing me.

Jessica recovered first, plastering on a fake smile. “Iris! We were just-”

Again.

“Spreading malicious rumors about my personal life? I finished for her, maintaining steady eye contact as I walked to the water dispenser. “Seems to be a

hobby of yours.”

Amber attempted to salvage the situation. “We were just concerned-”

“I’m sure you were,” I interrupted, my voice icier than I’d intended. “Every time I overhear you two talking, it’s about me. Anyone who didn’t know better might think you had some sort of unhealthy obsession.”

I filled my water bottle slowly, deliberately, before turning back to face them. The silence stretched uncomfortably

as they exchanged panicked glances.

“Let me give you some advice,” I continued, stepping closer. “If you’re going to gossip in a building full of werewolves with enhanced hearing, at least check who might be approaching. It’s pack etiquette 101.” I smiled thinly. “Your carelessness is exactly why neither of you has advanced beyond junior designer in

three years.”

Jessica’s mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. Amber stared at her shoes.

“I’d suggest being more careful about the rumors you repeat,” I added, “especially when they concern a Lowell and a Grey. These aren’t just family names- they’re ancient bloodlines with very long memories and considerable influence over your career prospects.”

I picked up my water bottle and walked toward the door, pausing briefly. “Oh, and for what it’s/worth–if I were pregnant, it would be absolutely none of your business what I chose to do about it.”

As I walked out, I caught a glimpse of their stunned expressions in the glass cabinet reflection. There was a certain satisfaction in finally standing up for myself, though I hadn’t intended to lean on my newfound lineage quite so heavily. Still, if it silenced the rumors for even a day, it was worth it.

Back at my desk, I checked my phone again. The werewolf community forums were still buzzing, the message count now well into the hundreds. I scrolled through briefly, noting the shift in tone from shocked disbelief to calculated assessment.

“Stone has been on the decline for years, one message read. “About time someone took control before there was nothing left.”

Thomas Stone ran that company into the ground,” another commented. “The Lowell girl will at least have the connections to save what’s left.”

I set my phone down, a slight smile playing at my lips. They weren’t wrong about Stone Industries‘ state–the company had been systematically gutted by Thomas and his cronies. But they missed the point entirely if they thought this was just about business. Stone Industries was my father’s legacy–the last

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Chapter 201

connection I had to him. I wasn’t about to let it crumble under Thomas’s greedy incompetence.

I pulled open my desk drawer and removed an envelope I’d prepared last night. My resignation letter, typed and signed. I’d known since the moment I

decided to reclaim Stone Industries that I couldn’t continue at Crescent Design. Both companies deserved full attention, and I needed to focus on rebuilding

what had nearly been destroyed.

After gathering a few personal items into a small box, I stood up and walked toward Marcus Foster’s office. I knocked lightly on his door.

“Come in,” he called.

Marcus looked up from his computer, his expression shifting from professional interest to understanding as he noticed the envelope in my hand and the

small box under my arm.

“Marcus,” I said, coming straight to the point. “I’m here to give my resignation.”

He nodded slowly, not seeming particularly surprised. “I suspected this might be coming after what I heard about Stone Industries.” He gestured for me to sit. “You’re taking over the family business?”

“Yes,” I confirmed, settling into the chair. “I need to focus all my attention on rebuilding Stone. The company has suffered under poor management for too

long.”

“I understand,” Marcus said, accepting the envelope. “Though I have to say, your work here has been exceptional. You have a natural talent that’s rare to

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