Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253

Iris’s POV

I heard Amanda’s slightly challenging words, and my stomach tightened. That honey-sweet voice barely masked the hostility underneath. I took a slow breath and rose from my seat, plastering what I hoped was a light smile on my face.

“Not at all,” I replied, koo

my voice casual. “I was just too busy listening to what you had to say.”

God, the tensi

non-alc

t with a knife. Everyone was watching us like we were some reality TV showdown. I deliberately raised my ection, maintaining the façade of politeness. No way was I giving her the satisfaction of seeing me ruffled.

row arched as her gaze swept over me, lingering on my dress. I caught the flash of recognition in her eyes, busy. So that’s what this was about – she recognized the limited edition piece. Wanted it for herself, probably.

ot feeling unwell,” she responded stiffly, her fingers visibly tightening around her champagne flute.

nner was starting, and I followed him as he be

nally leaning in to quietly identify key family

miles, the polite nods, the barely concealed

reached Eric’s table, I felt Amanda’s gaze b

werewolves were relatively scarce in the fa

family members around the room. Ethan stayed close by from table to table. I mentally catalogued each reaction – definitely need later.

t hard to figure out the dynamics at play. Jack had mentioned

nda was probably used to being the princess of this little

know today is such an important

atedly over my navy dress. “Ar

tion piece.”

ingo. I was right. My

Amanda! Jac

d through my thoughts as we crossed paths again. Her eyes traveled

ldn’t you have made more of an effort? Seems like a waste of that limited

ark. She’d wanted this dress and couldn’t get it. The pettiness was almost comical

respect toward Iris. Where are your manners?”

a scene during my first introduction. “I should have been more thoughtful about the

ric’s quiet reprimand to his daughter: “Stop making things difficult for Iris. She only just returned to

but snapped shut when she saw her father’s serious expression. I turned my attention back to the gathering, orts while studying their attitudes.

ak when a discordant voice broke through the polite dinner conversation: “Jack, are we absolutely certain about this

oze mid-cut. I looked up sle

my expression neutral.

eing me with open skepticism. My heart beat a little

9:41 am P-

Chapter 253

The atmosphere shifted instantly, tension crackling through the air as more voices joined in: “Yes, after all these years… how many people have

tried to claim relation?”

Someone near the end of the table spoke just loudly enough to ensure everyone heard: “Some people might be attracted to a werewolf family’s resources and position…”

I maintained my poker face, though inside I was laughing bitterly. Of course. Rich family politics were apparently universal, werewolf or human. I set down my utensils carefully, preparing my response.

Ethan Lowell spoke before I could. “The DNA tests were conclusive on multiple attempts. Are you questioning our methodology?”

I felt a flash of gratitude for his intervention, but the whispers continued. The tension escalated when someone from the far end of the table

asked pointedly: “Does she even know what happened to Lily? How she disappeared?”

The implication hung heavy in the air before another voice added: “With her father’s identity currently unknown… it’s rather embarrassing for

our family name, isn’t it?”

The contempt in their tone made my blood simmer, but I kept my face impassive. I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I watched Jack’s face darken with displeasure. I was formulating a dignified response when an unexpected voice cut through the

murmurs.

“Wow, Uncle, your insults have gotten really sophisticated,” Amanda said, her voice arctic cold.

I blinked in surprise, turning to stare at her as she continued: “Yes, Lily Aunt never returned, that’s true. But the DNA evidence is right there in black and white. What part of that is unclear to you?”

Well, this was unexpected. Despite her earlier hostility toward me, Amanda apparently had principles and boundaries she wouldn’t cross. I caught the approving looks from both Eric and Jack.

Jack’s authoritative voice silenced any further commentary: “I don’t recall asking for your opinions on this matter. This is my granddaughter, found through my own efforts. What part of this seems questionable to you?”

His voice hardened further: “Since when have I needed your approval for family matters?”

The room fell instantly silent, no one daring to speak after Jack’s rebuke. I felt a strange warmth in my chest at his protection, but I knew some words needed to come directly from me.

I met the gaze of the man who had questioned me, making sure my voice carried clearly: “I understand your concerns, but the DNA tests have confirmed my lineage. Regarding my mother, I’m as eager as anyone to discover what happened to her. If you have questions about me, I welcome you to address them to me directly, rather than questioning Jack’s judgment in this setting.

I noticed Amanda’s slight smile at my response, as though she approved of my backbone. Perhaps there was more to her than I’d initialis thought. The dynamics of this family were going to be… interesting, to say the least.

ctrl

ha’s Regret

254

tive rebuke had silenced the room, and tend the older werewolf who questioned my bloodline finally lowered his gaze in submissions mission. hained palpable, but at least the direct direct challenge to my legitimacy had been addressed. I quietly resumed eating my dinner, my dinner momentary peace, though I could still still feel curious and skeptical glances directed my way.

to take another bite of my food whood when Ryan Lowell completely ignored what I’d said moments earlier and turned mansted to another ondescending smirk.

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