Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Of course he was. This was my chance to shine. “You’re just in time.

We’ve finalized our direction this morning.” I pulled out Jason’s design boards with confidence. “I’ve selected a concept that I believe

perfectly represents what Crescent Design stands for.”

Marcus studied the boards, his expression thoughtful. Then he picked

up another board – Iris’s design – that I’d deliberately placed at the

bottom of the pile.

“What about this one?” he asked, his finger tracing the elegant curves

of her moonstone arrangement. “This design sensibility feels

familiar… almost like Aurora’s work from North Star.”

My stomach dropped. Aurora was a design legend, though nobody

knew her real identity. For Marcus to compare Iris’s work to Aurora’s

was both insulting and alarming.

“That’s just a preliminary sketch from our newest intern,” I said

dismissively, trying to maintain my composure. “Iris Stone. She’s

Sebastien’s… well, you know.”

“Hmm,” Marcus murmured, his attention still fixed on Iris’s design.

Interesting. The technical execution is remarkable for an intern.” He

looked up at me. “Why not go with this one instead? It seems more

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aligned with North Star’s aesthetic.”

I struggled to keep my smile in place. “Marcus, as creative director, I

need to consider more than just aesthetics. I’m looking at market,

viability, production costs, brand consistency-

“Of course,” he interrupted politely, but his eyes told me he wasn’t

convinced. “But having worked closely with North Star before, I can

tell you this design“-he tapped Iris’s board-“would resonate more

with their philosophy.”

rned with humiliation. “I appreciate your input, Marcus.

der consideration.”

er he left with both design boards, I slumped back in my chair, my

heart pounding with anxiety. Would he show Sebastien? Would he

undermine my decision?

I had to act fast. I grabbed my purse and headed for the elevator,

jabbing the button for the executive floor. I needed to speak with

Sebastien directly, to explain my choice before Marcus could

influence him.

In the elevator, I rehearsed my explanation. “The design may look

pretty, Sebastien, but it’s not commercially viable. As creative

director, I need to think about the business angle, not just

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aesthetics.”

When I reached the top floor, I paused to check my appearance one

last time. Perfect. Confident. Professional. I strode toward Sebastien’s

office with purpose.

As I approached, I heard voices from inside. The door was slightly

ajar, and I recognized Marcus’s voice immediately. I slowed my steps,

listening.

“…I think this design has the innovative approach we need,” Marcus

was saying. “It’s elegant, distinctive, and feels like something North

Star would appreciate.”

I pushed the door open without knocking, forcing a smile. “Sebastien,

I was just coming to discuss the North Star project with you.”

Sebastien looked up, his expression unreadable. His finger was pointing at Iris’s design spread out on his desk. “No need, Megan.

Marcus has already briefed me.”

My stomach twisted painfully. “I was just explaining to Marcus why

Jason’s concept is more aligned with our-

“We’re going with this one,” Sebastien interrupted, tapping Iris’s design decisively. “Tell the team it’s been approved at the executive

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level. This is the kind of forward–thinking design that will impress

North Star.”

The blood drained from my face. I stood there, humiliated in front of both men, struggling to maintain my composure. “Sebastien, I think

as creative director, my expertise should-”

“The decision is made,” he said, his tone leaving no room for

argument. “Make it happen.”

I forced myself to nod professionally, though inside I was seething. This was all Iris’s fault. Somehow she had manipulated her way into

this situation, making me look incompetent in front of Sebastien.

As I turned to leave, my chest tight with suppressed rage, one

thought burned in my mind: this was far from over. Iris Stone might

have won this round, but she had no idea who she was dealing with.

“She’ll regret ever crossing me,” I thought, clenching my jaw as the elevator doors closed. “I’m just getting started.”