Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 266

9:13 am G P po

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 266

Iris’s POV

I woke up with sunlight filtering through the curtains at the Lowell estate. My hand instinctively moved to my still-flat stomach, a habit I’d developed since learning about the pregnancy.

“Morning, little one,” I whispered.

As I stretched, a thought hit me-I hadn’t been to Stone’s design office in what felt like ages, God, the Phoenix collection deadline was approaching, and the sapphire series for the winter showcase needed my final approval.

“Shit, work, I mumbled, sitting up carefully. “If I don’t get those designs finalized soon, everything will fall behind schedule.”

After a quick shower, I chose a loose-fitting blouse that wouldn’t reveal my condition and headed downstairs. Rachel was already in the kitchen, scrolling through her phone while sipping coffee.

“Morning,” she said, looking up. “How are you feeling today?” Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were serious.

The memory of Sebastien’s visit made my cheeks warm. “I’ve been thinking about work,” I said, changing the subject. “Rachel, I need to go to the company today. There are several important projects that need my personal attention.”

Rachel’s forehead creased with concern. “You sure you’re okay to drive? I mean, I could take you if you want.”

“I’m pregnant, not an invalid,” I replied with a small smile, though her concern touched me.

“Pregnancy brain is real, girl. Plus, after everything with Sebastien last night…” Rachel trailed off, eyebrows raised.

Before I could respond, I heard a gentle knock. Jack Lowell stood in the doorway, his eyes crinkling with a warm smile that reminded me we were family-a concept I was still getting used to.

“Iris, where are you headed off to?” he asked, noticing my outfit.

“Jack,” I smiled back. “I’m planning to go to the company today. Some design sketches need my personal attention.”

His brows knitted together in disapproval. “You’re going out with your condition? Why not let your assistant bring the files here?”

r

Warmth spread through my chest. Since arriving at the Lowell house, Jack had shown me nothing but genuine concern. It was strange having someone worry

about me this way-strange but nice.

*I appreciate your concern,” I said softly, “but I mainly want to check on the company’s operations. I won’t overexert myself, I promise.”

Jack studied me for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. “Be careful, and come back if you feel tired. The babies come first.”

After he left, Rachel gave me a pointed look. “See? Even Jack thinks you shouldn’t be driving. Come on, let me take you. I’m heading into town anyway.”

I sighed, recognizing the stubborn set of her jaw. Between Jack’s concern and Rachel’s determination, I knew when I was outnumbered.

“Fine,” I conceded. “But just for today.”

9:13 am

GPP

Chapter 266

As Rar hat and + headed to her vat, I felt a strange mix of emotions. Independence and belonging, freedom and connection-paradoxes that seemed to define

y life now.

In the car, Rachel turned down the io and glanced at me. “So, how did things end last night? Any more drama after the party’?

“You won’t believe what he told me,” I sighed, quickly recounting his confession about Megan.

Rachel snorted. “Honestly, that whole /I never had anything with Megan’ thing? Bullshit. Classic example of a guy rewriting history when he realizes what he’s lost.”

I bit my lip, remembering the intensity in Sebastien’s eyes when he’d said, “There was never anyone else, Iris. Not then.”

“What if he’s telling the truth?” I asked quietly.

“So what if he is?” Rachel countered, her hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Does that eras how coldly he treated you for years? Does that make up for all the nights you cried yourself to sleep? He’s only interested now because you’ve finally found your value without him.”

Her words stung with truth.

Rachel continued. “And honestly, you’ve got me, you’ve got the Lowells now. You don’t need that toxic wolf in your life again.”

As we pulled up outside the company, I felt a surge of gratitude for Rachel’s unwavering support.

‘I’ll be fine from here,” I assured her. “Go home and get some rest.”

*Call me if you need anything,” she said, squeezing my hand. “And I mean it-don’t let his pretty words fool you. Remember how you felt when you finally

walked away.

I nodded, stepping out of the car. “I’ve heard everything you said. I’m not rushing into anything.”

After Rachel drove away, I pulled out my phone and texted my assistant: “At the company. Have important design drafts ready.”

Taking a deep breath, I shifted my mind into work mode. For the next few hours, I would be just Iris Stone, designer, not Iris the pregnant ex-wife or Iris the

newly discovered Lowell heir.

The company lobby felt simultaneously familiar and strange. Employees looked up in surprise, some quickly averting their eyes when I met their gaze. I kept my expression neutral, my posture straight. This was my territory, where I’d earned my position through talent, not bloodline or marriage.

As I passed the break room, I caught fragments of conversation.

-Megan’s birthday celebration tonight-”

-reserved the entire rooftop at La Lune-”

The two employees froze when they spotted me, coffee cups suspended mid-air.

‘Stone, ma’am… one of them stammered.

I kept my face expressionless. “Personal discussions should be saved for break time.”

In my office, my assistant waited with a stack of design sketches and material samples. I immersed myself in work, reviewing each design with careful

9:13 am G PP

Chapter 266

attention. The familiar rhythm of creativity soothed me, offering an escape from the chaos of my personal life.

By late afternoon, my back ached and my eyes felt strained, but satisfaction warmed me. As my assistant gathered the approved designs, I glanced at my phone and saw it was already after

“That will be all for today,” I said, gathering my purse.

The lobby was nearly empty as I headed toward the exit. The setting sun cast long shadows through the glass doors, and I was already thinking about a warm bath when I stepped outside.

A familiar figure stood waiting by the curb, tall and imposing in a tailored charcoal suit. My heart betrayed me, accelerating instantly.

Sebastien turned, his eyes finding mine immediately. “Done for the day?” he asked casually, as if he hadn’t broken into my room last night and upended my

understanding of our past.

I pretended not to see him, quickening my pace toward the street.

Sebastien moved smoothly, stepping into my path. “It’s getting late. Shouldn’t you be more careful in your condition?”

“Move aside,” I said coldly, trying to ignore how his scent-cedarwood and something distinctly him-seemed to wrap around me.

L

‘He reached out, his fingers gently encircling my wrist. “I’ve made dinner reservations.”

The warmth of his touch sent an unwelcome tingle up my arm. I stared at where his skin met mine, remembering Rachel’s warnings and my own painful history with this man. And yet, his revelation about Megan still echoed in my mind, making me question everything I thought I knew.

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9:13 am G PP

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret