Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Iris’s POV

I stared through the car window as we approached the Stone family state, my heart sinking at the sight of thick smoke billowing from what was em childhood home. The smell hit me even before we stopped–eth, charted wood, and something chemical that made my store farm.

“We’re too late,‘ I murmured, more to myself then to Sebastien. “The fire’s been put out, but the damage. I couldn’t finish the sentence.

Fire trucks were still parked along the circular driveway, their red lights casting an eerie glow on the blackened walls of the east wing Firefighters moved around the property, faces grim as they packed up equipment,

As Daniel pulled up to the front entrance, Sebastien leaned forward to Daniel. “It’s getting late, and you’ve got work tomorrow, Get some rest.

Daniel nodded as my attention caught by another car approaching from the opposite direction. It slowed as it passed Daniel’s window, and i recognized the driver as one of the Grey family’s associates. The two wolves exchanged nods of acknowledgment.

Sebastien and I stepped out of the car, the smell of smoke immediately making my eyes water. After a brief instruction from Sebastien, Daniel drove away, leaving us standing in front of the damaged estate.

So late at night, and Sebastien’s calling in other wolves? Is he doing this…for me?

The thought was unsettling. I pushed it aside as I spotted our family’s longtime manager, Mrs. Evans, standing near the entrance, her face pale and streaked with soot. I rushed toward her, trying to control the tremor in my voice.

“What happened?” I demanded, my fingers dizzing into my palms. “How did it start?”

M/s. Evans shook her head, looking dazed, “I’m not sure, Miss Stone. I had dinner around eight, then felt strangely drowsy. I went to lie down for a moment and woke to the smell of smoke. By then, the east wing was already…” Her voice trailed off.

My brow furrowed. Mrs. Evans wasn’t one to nap after dinner. “You felt drowsy? That’s not like you.”

“I know.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. ‘It came on so suddenly. One minute I was fine, the next I could barely keep my eyes open.”

Something didn’t add up. I glanced at Sebastien, who stood a few feet behind me. His expression was thoughtful, eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to

Mrs. Evans.

My jaw clenched as I surveyed the damage. The east wing–where my father’s study was located–had suffered the worst of it. The windows were blown out, the walls blackened, part of the roof collapsed. Years of memories, family heirlooms, my father’s personal effects…

I had to see what was left.

Without a word to anyone, I turned and headed toward the damaged wing. I needed to check my father’s study–needed to see if the one thing he’d left specifically for me had survived.

Where are you going? Sebastien’s voice called after me.

I didn’t slow down. “Inside.”

His footsteps quickened behind me. ‘Iris, stop. It’s not safe in there. The structure could be compromised-”

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10:55 Fri, Apr 24 0

Chapter 209

“I don’t care.” I kept walking, my eyes fixed on the main entrance. “There’s something I need to get.”

His hand caught my arm, the warmth of his palm seeping through my sleeve. “Whatever it is, it’s not worth risking your life for.”

I looked down at his hand, then up at his face. His expression was tense, genuine concern in his eyes. For a moment, something shifted between us–a flicker

of the connection we’d once had.

Then I yanked my arm free and took advantage of his momentary surprise to dart toward the door.

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