Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271

Iris’s POV

I leaned against the cool window of Sebastien’s car, deliberately keeping as much distance between us as possible. My body felt like lead, every muscle aching from the stress and tension of the day. I closed my eyes, hoping he’d take the hint that i wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

My mind drifted back to the emergency at the restaurant. Thank god I’d taken that first aid course in college. The memory of positioning the pregnant woman on her left side, checking her vitals, and keeping her calm until the ambulance arrived played through my head like a movie. At least those skills hadn’? abandoned me when I needed them.

I could feel Sebastien’s eyes on me every few minutes, his gaze like a physical touch that made my skin prickle with awareness. He seemed surprised by how I’d handled the emergency. What, did he think I was completely helpless? The thought irritated me more than it should have.

“Today has been exhausting enough, I muttered, not bothering to open my eyes. “I just want to get home.”

I felt the car accelerate slightly, Sebastien picking up on my fatigue. At least he could take a hint about that much.

When we finally arrived at Blue Harbor, I unbuckled my seatbelt before the car had fully stopped and pushed the door open the second we were parked. I needed air that wasn’t filled with his scent, which still affected me more than I wanted to admit.

I heard Sebastien’s door slam and his footsteps as he circled the car. Before I could walk away, he appeared at my side, extending his hand.

“I’ll walk you up,” he said, his tone making it clear this wasn’t a request.

I stepped back, avoiding his outstretched hand. “Alpha Grey, thanks for playing chauffeur today, but please don’t feel obligated to continue the service. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop interfering in my life.”

I flashed him my best professional smile, the one I used for difficult clients, while my insides screamed for the sweet release of my bed. “I’m going to go inside and pass out. It’s been a long day.”

“I’ll walk you up,” he repeated, his jaw set in that stubborn way I knew too well.

I almost argued but decided it wasn’t worth the energy. “Whatever. Do what you want. You always do anyway.”

The elevator ride was excruciating–just the two of us standing in painful silence, my exhausted reflection staring back at me from the mirrored walls. There

seconds felt like hours, the air between us charged with unspoken words.

Γ

When the doors finally opened, I stepped out quickly, then froze. Down the hallway, a group of people stood outside the Lowell family apartment. My tired brain struggled to process the unexpected sight until I recognized a familiar face-Lucas Morgan.

Lucas spotted me almost immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Iris, you’re back?”

I nodded automatically, my brain stiti trying to catch up. Before I could respond properly, Sebastien stepped up beside me, his presence instantly change the atmosphere. I could feel the tension spike as everyone’s attention shifted to us.

Shit. This just got way more complicated.

As I scanned the group, my eyes locked with a woman standing slightly behind Lucas. My stomach dropped. It was the pergeant woman from the restaurant

the one who had fainted. What the hell was she doing here?

9:13 am P pp-

Chapter 271-

You jwo know each other? The woman-Melinda Morgan, if I recalled correctly from the hospital paperwork-looked between Lucas and me with confusion.

My mind raced. “She’s from the Lowell family? This can’t be coincidence…” The realization that I’d just helped someone connected to my newly discovered family left me speechless.

I felt Jack Lowell move to my side, subtly positioning himself between Sebastien and me. His protective gesture wasn’t lost on anyone present.

“Alpha Grey,” Jack’s tone was formal yet cautious. “To what do we owe this visit?”

I found my voice before Sebastien could respond. “Alpha Grey was just giving me a ride home. There was an incident at the restaurant, and then we had to go to the hospital.”

I noticed Lucas’s eyes narrowing as he looked at Sebastien, hostility radiating from him in waves.

Jack nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “I see. Well, thank you for bringing Iris home safe, Alpha Grey.”

afe

Then, to my horror, Jack added what was clearly meant to be a polite dismissal: “We were just about to have dinner. Have you eaten yet? If not, perhaps you’d like to join us?”

My heart nearly stopped. This was obviously just a courtesy invitation-one that any socially aware person would decline. I waited for Sebastien’s polite refusal.

“Thank you. I’d be happy to,” Sebastien replied without hesitation.

I nearly choked. Was he serious? He couldn’t possibly be this oblivious to social cues. I shot him a look that I hoped conveyed my complete disbelief at his acceptance of what was clearly a perfunctory offer.

Jack’s momentary surprise was quickly masked, but not before I caught it. Lucas’s scowl deepened, and Melinda looked between us all with undisguised

curiosity.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. This was going to be a very long evening, and I was already running on empty. As everyone moved

toward the door, I felt warm fingers wrap around my wrist-Sebastien had casually taken hold of my hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I tried to pull away, but his grip was firm without being painful. “Sebastien,” I hissed under my breath, “let go. You know how this looks.”

He leaned close, his breath tickling my ear. “I’m just making sure you don’t look isolated and vulnerable.”

“When have I ever needed your help looking strong?” I whispered back, a cold smile on my lips. “This is Lowell territory. You’re making things worse.”

But Sebastien didn’t release my hand, and I was forced to walk into the apartment with him, acutely aware of Lucas’s gaze following our linked hands. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife as we moved toward the dining room.

I settled into a chair at the dining table, exhaustion settling into my bones as I prepared for what would undoubtedly be the most awkward dinner of my life. Sebastien took the seat right next to mine as if he belonged there, while Lucas positioned himself directly across from us, his eyes never leaving orr

interaction.

I noticed Jack and Ethan exchange a look before they excused themselves, presumably to speak privately in the kitchen. The mounting tension made me wish desperately that I’d insisted on going straight to my apartment instead.

I maintained a polite smile despite the fatigue weighing on me, thinking, “God, I just want this night to end.

Jealousy Alpha’s Regret