Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Iris’s POV

I sat in the corner of the conference room, keeping my expression

carefully blank as Marcus Foster introduced Megan Claire to our

team. The woman who had once held Sebastien’s heart stood at the

front of the room, dressed in an impeccable designer suit that

probably cost more than my monthly rent.

“Ms. Claire has been specifically brought over from our European

division,” Marcus was saying, his voice carrying the rehearsed

enthusiasm of a corporate introduction. “She brings exceptional

experience to our team and has been personally invited to join us as

our new creative director.”

I studied her every movement, taking in her perfectly styled dark hair,

her confident posture, and the calculated warmth of her smile. So this

is Sebastien’s ex–girlfriend, who had almost got married with Sebastien.

She was beautiful in that polished, magazine–cover way that seemed

almost too perfect to be real.

As she spoke about her “vision” for the company, Megan’s gaze swept

across the room, pausing ever so slightly when it landed on me. A

flash of recognition crossed her features, so brief that anyone not

watching closely would have missed it. She knows exactly who I am. Of

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course she did. I probably reeked of Sebastien’s scent after our

encounter in the break room.

My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, sensing a threat. I forced my

heartbeat to remain steady, knowing that any spike in emotion would

be detectable to the wolves in the room. Years of practice at Grey

Manor had taught me how to maintain a neutral scent signature, and

I was grateful for that skill now.

“I’m so excited to work with all of you,” Megan said, her voice

dripping with honeyed sincerity that didn’t reach her eyes. “Crescent Design has always been known for pushing boundaries while

honoring tradition, and I plan to continue that legacy.”

I bet you do, I thought, keeping my face expressionless. And I’m sure having access to Sebastien again is just a happy coincidence.

The meeting wrapped up quicker than I expected, with Marcus turning the floor over to Megan for any closing remarks.

“Before we all disperse,” she said, flashing that perfect smile again, “could the North Star Studio collaboration team please stay behind?

I’d like to have a quick word about the project.”

I remained seated as most of my colleagues filed out, leaving just our small team of five designers. Once the room had cleared, Megan’s

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demeanor shifted subtly–her smile tightened at the corners, and her

eyes took on a sharper quality.

“This North Star collaboration is critical for us,” she said, walking

slowly around the table. “I’ve reviewed the preliminary work, and

while it’s… adequate, I believe we need to elevate our approach if we

want to secure this partnership.”

I kept my eyes on my notebook, sketching small geometric patterns in

the margin to keep my hands busy.

“I cannot stress enough how important this project is,” Megan

continued. “Not just for the company, but for all of us as wolves.”

I glanced up briefly. The North Star Studio wasn’t just any design

house–it was owned by the Lowell family, one of the oldest wolf

bloodlines in North America. This wasn’t just business; it was pack

politics. Megan was clearly positioning herself to gain standing in the

wolf community through this collaboration.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice Megan had approached until she

was standing directly beside me. Suddenly, she gasped loudly,

drawing everyone’s attention.

“Oh my God, Ms. Stone, what is this?” she exclaimed, pointing at my

design sketchbook.

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My stomach dropped as I felt all eyes in the room turn toward me. So

this is how she’s playing it, I thought, a calm clarity washing over me.

A public takedown on day one.

“These sketches, Megan continued, her voice dripping with false

concern, “they’re so… unconventional. Is this really what you’re

planning to present to North Star?”

I looked down at my work–a series of innovative moonstone jewelry

designs that incorporated wolf symbolism in subtle, modern ways.

They were good. I knew they were good.

“This approach is completely at odds with what North Star expects

from us,” she announced to the room, then turned back to me with a

smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Perhaps you’re not familiar with

their aesthetic preferences?”

The room fell silent. My teammates looked uncomfortable, eyes

darting between me and Megan. They were waiting to see if I would

crumble under her critique.