Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 252

9:41 am P

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 252

When our car finally pulled into the long driveway of the Lowell estate, I saw at least a dozen other vehicles already parked. My heart skipped a beat.

“Looks like everyone’s arrived,” Ethan remarked, helping me out of the car.

I stood for a moment, taking in the impressive stone mansion with its warm golden lights spilling from tall windows. Even from outside, I could feel eyes watching us arrive-curious, evaluating, judging.

“Ready?” Ethan asked quietly.

I straightened my spine and lifted my chin. “First impressions matter,” I murmured, more to myself than to him. “Let’s do this.”

Walking toward the entrance, I could feel the weight of unseen gazes from various windows. My werewolf senses picked up whispers, the rustle of curtains, the subtle shift of shadows. They were watching the prodigal daughter return-or rather, the daughter they never knew they had.

Jack took my arm as we reached the grand double doors. “Remember,” he whispered, “you belong here just as much as any of them.”

The moment we stepped inside, the foyer fell silent. At least fifteen people stood in the expansive living room beyond, their conversations

dying as they turned to stare at me. I forced myself to breathe normally, scanning the crowd of unfamiliar faces.

Some looked genuinely curious. Others skeptical. A few downright hostile.

Jack cleared his throat, his voice stronger than I’d ever heard it. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Lily’s daughter, Iris Stone. My granddaughter. For many of you here, she is your cousin, and for our youngest generation, she will be your aunt. Please welcome her.”

I stepped forward, consciously keeping my posture relaxed yet dignified. “Hello, everyone. I’m Iris Stone. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all.”

The silence stretched for another uncomfortable moment before people began murmuring greetings. Some stepped forward to introduce themselves, names and relations that blurred together in my anxiety.

As I shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, my attention was drawn to a young woman about my age standing near the fireplace. Unlike the others who at least attempted politeness, her gaze was razor-sharp, her smile tight with barely concealed disdain. Something about the way the others kept glancing at her told me she held significant influence in this family gathering.

When the initial greetings subsided, she stepped forward with deliberate grace. The room grew quieter, all eyes moving between us like spectators at a tennis match.

“So you’re the long-lost cousin,” she said, her voice honey-sweet but eyes cold. “After what, twenty-five years? Must have been quite the journey finding your way back to us. Welcome to the Lowell family, I’m Amanda.”

I didn’t miss the subtle emphasis on finding your way back,” implying I’d been searching for the Lowells rather than the other way around. Her words suggested I had ulterior motives-that I’d worked hard to infiltrate this family.

Before I could respond, a middle-aged man who resembled her stepped forward, his expression apologetic. “Amanda, that’s not how we speak to family.” He turned to me with a warm smile. “I’m Eric, Amanda’s father. Your mother Lily was my sister. We’ve all been looking forward to meeting you.”

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9:41 am P-

Chapter 252

Amanda’s sweet smile never wavered. “Dad, you misunderstood. I’m welcoming cousin Iris.” She raised a glass of champagne. “In fact, I’d like to propose a toast to her return.”

I noticed how everyone’s eyes shifted between us, watching for my reaction. This was clearly some kind of test.

“Come on, Iris,” Amanda continued, her tone edging toward challenge. “You’re just standing there. Won’t you acknowledge my toast? Or are you not familiar with Lowell family customs? Or perhaps you’re feeling unwell?”

The subtle emphasis on “unwell made my blood run cold. Did she know? Or was she just fishing for a reaction?

I kept my expression neutral, realizing that my response to this first challenge would set the tone for my place in this family.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Amanda,” I replied, my voice steady despite my racing heart. ‘I’m looking forward to learning all about the Lowell family customs… from those who practice them with genuine grace.”

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