Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 204

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 204

Iris’s POV

The applause washed over me like a wave as I finished my speech. Hundreds of eyes locked onto me, a sea of faces ranging from impressed to calculating to openly hostile. My heart raced beneath my ribs, but I maintained my composed smile, standing tall in my

white dress despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.

Jack Lowell stepped forward, placing a warm hand on my shoulder as he approached the microphone. The touch was reassuring, grounding

me in this surreal moment.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” his voice resonated throughout the ballroom, instantly silencing the crowd. “I want to officially introduce you all to my granddaughter, Iris Stone, daughter of my beloved Lily who was lost to us for so many years.”

A collective gasp rippled through the room. I felt the weight of their stares intensify, like physical pressure against my skin.

“Iris is not only my flesh and blood,” Jack continued, his voice swelling with pride, “but she is also the new head of Stone Industries. I have complete confidence in her vision to lead the company into a prosperous future.”

More applause erupted, though not everyone joined in. Across the room, I caught Thomas Stone’s gaze fixed on me, his eyes dark with fury, jaw clenched tight enough to crack teeth. The man who I’d been raised to call my uncle looked ready to explode. I didn’t flinch. I’d spent years shrinking myself for the Stone family. Those days were over.

As Jack and I stepped away from the podium, we were immediately surrounded by a circle of eager werewolf business leaders. Their mixed scents filled my nose–expensive cologne barely masking their natural wolf musk, with undertones of ambition and opportunism.

“Ms. Stone, I’d love to discuss potential collaborations between our companies,” a woman in a navy suit said, pressing uncomfortably

close.

“Iris–may I call you Iris?-we should set up a meeting next week,” insisted a silver–haired man, shoving his business card into my hand.

I nodded politely to each of them while maintaining my personal space. It was almost laughable how these same people wouldn’t have given me a second glance just weeks ago.

Through the crowd, I noticed a tall man with copper–rimmed glasses hovering at the edge. Aaron Meyer, CEO of Meyer Designs. He had abruptly terminated a promising partnership with Stone Industries shortly after my father’s death, nearly bankrupting one of our

divisions.

He approached cautiously, hands clasped in front of him. “Ms. Stone,” he began, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness. “We had a design collaboration project that unfortunately had to be discontinued due to, well, circumstances with Stone Industries. Perhaps we could revisit that opportunity now?”

I studied his face, remembering how he’d simply stood by as Stone Industries struggled. He hadn’t actively participated in the company’s downfall like some others, but he certainly hadn’t helped either.

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10:32 Wed, Apr 22 d…

Chapter 204

“Mr. Meyer,” I replied, my voice level but not unkind. “The termination of our previous arrangement was unfortunate but understar given the situation at the time.” I paused, watching him shift uncomfortably. “However, I’m open to exploring new possibilities. Times have changed, and if we can establish a partnership that benefits both our companies, I see no reason not to move forward-

Relief flooded his face. “That’s excellent news. I always respected your father’s business approach. It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from

the tree.”

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Thomas making his way down from the mezzanine, awkwardly positioning himself at a nearby table where he could overhear our conversation. He wasn’t even trying to be subtle. Our eyes met briefly, and I saw that familiar mixture of rage and fear that had become his permanent expression since I’d taken control.

I returned my attention to Meyer. “I’ll have my team draft a new proposal for your consideration after the event. I believe we can create something mutually beneficial this time.”

“I look forward to it,” Meyer smiled, raising his champagne glass in a small toast before retreating.

As the evening progressed, I navigated one conversation after another, mentally filing away each interaction, each potential ally or opponent. Strangely, I felt comfortable in this role, as though years of observing from the shadows had been preparing me for this

moment.

“You’re a natural at this,” Jack commented quietly during a brief moment alone. “Lily would be proud.*

I smiled, genuinely touched. “Thank you. It feels… right, somehow.”

My eyes scanned the room, noting who was present and who was absent. There was no sign of Sebastien anywhere. I wondered if he was still recovering from his illness. The thought brought a confusing mixture of relief and concern that I quickly pushed aside.

My phone vibrated in my clutch bag. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was from Mrs. Evans, the housekeeper of Stone Estate. The display showed “URGENT” in capital letters. My stomach tightened with worry.

“Excuse me,” I said to Jack. “I need to take this.”

I quickly made my way toward a quieter area, looking for some privacy. As I hurried around a bend in the hallway, my attention fixed on finding the right place to take the call, I didn’t notice the person coming from the opposite direction until it was too late.

The collision was sudden and jarring. My first instinct was to protect my abdomen, my arms instantly wrapping around my midsection. A cold sensation spread across my chest as something wet soaked through the fabric of my dress. The sharp smell of red wine filled my

nostrils.

“What the hell?” a male voice snapped. “Why are you rushing around corners like that?”

I looked down, seeing the dark red stain spreading across my pristine white dress. Perfect. Just perfect.

“At these kinds of events, it’s generally advisable to watch where you’re going,” I replied coolly, trying to assess the damage to my outfit.

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10:32 Wed, Apr 22 d

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