Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 223

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 223

Iris’s POV

“Go handle the situation outside and make sure the hospital is secure,” I said to Blake, my voice coming out sharper than I’d intended.

Blake froze for a split second, his eyebrows lifting slightly before his expression shifted to something more deferential. He straightened his posture and nodded respectfully. “Yes, of course. I’ll handle it immediately.”

As he left the room, I exhaled slowly, suddenly aware of what had just happened. My tone, my posture, the expectation of immediate compliance–Id sounded exactly like Sebastien. When had I started giving orders like an Alpha? I sighed and sank into the chair beside Sebastien’s bed, studying his unnaturally pale face against the stark white hospital sheets. The steady beep of the heart monitor seemed too loud in the quiet room.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, making my heart jump against my ribs. Jack Lowell’s name flashed on the screen. My stomach tightened he must have heard about yesterday’s events.

I quietly stepped onto the small balcony attached to the hospital room, not wanting to disturb Sebastien, though I doubted anything could penetrate his unconscious state. The morning air felt cool against my skin after the stuffy hospital room.

*Jack, I answered, hearing the exhaustion in my own voice.

“Tris! Thank God you answered. Are you alright? I just heard about the shooting at the Stone estate, and now there are rumors about some incident at the hospital? What’s happening? Are you hurt?” His questions tumbled out rapidly, genuine worry evident in every word.

A wave of warmth spread through my chest. It had been so long since anyone had truly cared about my well–being like this.

“I’m not hurt,” I reassured him, leaning against the railing. “We’re at Moonshade Bay Central. Sebastien was shot… protecting me.” I swallowed hard. “He’s still unconscious but stable for now.”

There was a heavy pause on the line. “And you’re certain you’re unharmed?” Jack asked, his voice softer.

“Yes, I’m okay,” I replied, though ‘okay‘ felt like a stretch considering everything that had happened.

After promising to call him with any updates, I hung up and stayed on the balcony, taking deep breaths. The fake doctor’s attack, coming so soon after the fire at the Stone estate and the shooting–this couldn’t possibly be coincidence.

I placed a protective hand over my stomach, feeling the slight firmness there that no one else would notice yet. “Someone wants me eliminated.” I whispered to myself. “And they’re willing to take Sebastien down too if he gets in the way.”

I turned to look through the glass door at Sebastien’s motionless form. My feelings were a mess of contradictions. He had led to me and manipulated me. yet he’d thrown himself in front of a bullet meant for me. Without his protection, both my baby and I would likely be dead.

Back in the room, I carefully checked his IV, making sure it was flowing properly. Itis face looked strangely peaceful, the usually hard lines of his features.

softened in unconsciousness.

Blake returned, his stance slightly more relaxed. I’ve secured the perimeter and doubled the guards. No one gets in without through identification and verification,‘ be reported.

I had barely nodded when the door burst open and Daniel Parker rushed in, clutching a thak foldes His usually perfect appearance was disheveled, his te askew, and the scent of anxiety rolled off him in waves.

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9:28 am

Chapter 223

1. MM.

“What are you doing bringing work here?” Blake’s voice turned glacial as he stepped forward, blocking Daniel’s path.

‘I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t urgent,” Daniel replied, his eyes darting between Blake and me. “This requires immediate attention and only Mr. Grey can make the decision. It’s about the Italian collaboration-

‘Can’t William handle it?” Blake interrupted.

Daniel shook his head frantically. “William has been dealing with the council all night. He’s finally getting some rest, and this simply can’t wait. It’s the MODA contract for the fall collection.”

I observed their exchange silently, noting how Daniel’s fingers nervously tapped against the folder. Whatever was in those documents had him genuinely stressed.

‘I can take a look,” I found myself saying, surprising both men–and honestly, myself too.

They turned to stare at me with identical expressions of disbelief.

Daniel hesitated, clutching the folder tighter. “These are Crescent Design’s confidential documents…”

“I understand your concern,” I said calmly. “But I used to work for Crescent Design, and I have the professional background to understand whatever’s in that folder.” I gestured toward Sebastien’s still form. “He’s not going to be making any decisions anytime soon, and if it’s as time–sensitive as you suggest, waiting could damage the company.”

I saw the conflict in Daniel’s eyes–his loyalty to protecting company secrets versus the urgent need for a solution.

“This is to help him,” I added quietly. “Not Crescent Design. I’m not interested in corporate espionage, Daniel. But I do have the skills to help, and right now. that’s what he needs.”

Daniel slowly extended the folder. “It’s the collaboration agreement with MODA for the fall fashion line. They’re an Italian fashion conglomerate that doesn’t know about our… community. The deadline for our response is tomorrow.”

I took the documents and began scanning them, my design industry experience kicking in immediately. The contract language was familiar territory after years in the business.

‘I see the problem,” I said after a few minutes. “The copyright clause is far too broad. It would give MODA rights to designs beyond the specific collection.” F flipped to another page. “And this exclusivity agreement would prevent Crescent from working with other human fashion houses for three years.”

Daniel’s expression shifted from wariness to surprise. “That’s exactly what Sebastien was concerned about in the preliminary discussions.”

I continued reviewing the document. “The timeline is aggressive but manageable. The profit–sharing structure needs work–they re asking for too much considering Crescent is providing the bulk of the design work.”

I looked up to find both men watching me with newfound respect. I handed Daniel back the folder with several notes.

“Tell their representatives you need to revise these specific clauses. The overall deal is solid, but these terms need to be renegotiated. Make it clear these points aren’t flexible, but be diplomatic about it.” I gave him specific suggestions for each issue Id identified.

Daniel nodded, visibly relieved. Thank you, Ms. Stone. This is… extremely helpful.”

“It’s the least I can do.” I said, glancing at Sebastien’s still form. The irony wasn’t lost on me here I was, helping the very company Id planned to leave behind, all because its CEO had taken a bullet meant for me.

9:28 am

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1. MM.

Chapter 223

As Daniel prepared to leave with his revised strategy, I felt a strange mix of satisfaction and melancholy. What a complicated web we weave, I thought. looking back at the man who had both hurt and saved me.

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