Chapter 186
Iris's POV
Last night's confrontation in the Blue Harbor parking lot still burned in my mind. Sebastien had followed me all the way to my door, maintaining that infuriating silence that used to intimidate me.
"This doesn't change anything between us," I'd told him firmly, key already in the lock. "The information about the pendant is useful, but that's all. Good night, Sebastien."
I'd closed the door in his face before he could respond, heart hammering against my ribs. For several minutes, I'd stood with my back pressed against the door, half-expecting him to knock. He never did. Eventually, I heard his footsteps retreating down the hall.
Now, morning light streamed through my bedroom windows as I stood before the full-length mirror adjusting my formal attire. Today was the day I'd meet with an important client, and I needed to focus on the future, not dwell on Sebastien Grey.
As I tied my hair back into a sleek bun, I couldn't help comparing my usual casual style with today's polished appearance. The woman staring back at me looked powerful and in control—nothing like the timid girl who had lived in Sebastien Grey's shadow just months ago. God, that felt like another lifetime.
"Much better," I murmured to myself, satisfied with the transformation.
I zipped up my small suitcase and double-checked the documents one last time. This client meeting wasn't just another business deal; it was my chance to prove myself as the leader of the Stone family enterprises. I tucked the folder into my briefcase, mentally reviewing my presentation points.
When I headed downstairs, Jack Lowell was already waiting in the dining room. Despite the early hour, he was fully dressed though looking more tired than usual. His eyes brightened when he saw me.
"You look ready to conquer the world," he said, gesturing to the breakfast spread he'd arranged.
I smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "It's just a routine client meeting, nothing I can't handle."
Jack frowned slightly, pushing a plate of food toward me. "You need to eat properly. For both of you." His gaze flickered momentarily to my midsection.
"Grandfather, I'm only going away for a day or two. Don't worry." I tried to sound reassuring as I nibbled on some toast to appease him.
He reached across the table and took my hand. "If the client becomes difficult, walk away. One contract isn't worth your health. Remember to eat regularly, keep your strength up..." His voice trailed off, concern etched across his features.
My throat tightened unexpectedly. This kind of genuine care still felt foreign after years of Catherine's cold indifference. "I'll be careful," I promised softly.
Just then, I heard a car pull up outside. Dina appeared in the doorway, car keys in hand. "Miss, shall I drive you to the airport?"
"No need, I'm heading to the office first and Noah will meet me there," I said, noticing her slight frown. "He'll drive me to the airport after I finish my morning meetings."
Dina nodded reluctantly. As my assigned protector from the Lowell family, she took her responsibilities seriously—sometimes too seriously.
"I'll see you when you return," Jack said as I kissed his cheek goodbye.
---
Walking into the company headquarters, I immediately felt the shift in atmosphere. Employees straightened as I passed, their expressions a mixture of respect and curiosity. Most of the human staff had no idea about my werewolf identity, but they still sensed the natural authority I carried.
"Ms. Stone, good morning," my assistant Jenny rushed over with a tablet in hand. "I've arranged for the department heads to meet you in the conference room."
"Perfect," I replied, scanning my emails as we walked. "Any issues I should know about before the meeting?"
"Nothing urgent, though there's been some... chatter in the design department."
I frowned slightly but didn't ask for details. The decision to install Dina as Design Director had been controversial, but necessary. While most employees saw her as just a new hire I'd brought in, she was actually serving a dual purpose—protecting me as assigned by the Lowell family while also helping me secure control over the company's most critical department. Her credentials in design were impressive enough to justify the position, even if some resented her rapid promotion.
It was a calculated risk, but one I needed to take. The design department had been my uncle's stronghold, filled with his loyal employees who still viewed me with suspicion.
The conference room fell silent as I entered. I kept my briefing concise, assigning responsibilities clearly for the next two days. When I reached the design department's tasks, I paused deliberately.
"I want to reiterate that Director Dina was personally recruited by me," I stated, my gaze sweeping across the room. "If anyone questions her qualifications, I suggest focusing on improving your own work instead."
I caught several department heads exchanging glances, but no one voiced any objections. Good. They were learning that I wasn't my uncle's puppet anymore.
Back in my office, my phone kept vibrating with notifications from the company group chat. I tried to ignore it while reviewing client materials, but the constant buzzing eventually forced me to look.
I scrolled through and found design department employee Evelyn venting: [She's just a newcomer, thinking she's so great. Using those tactics to get rid of her own uncle. How could she do that?]
My jaw tightened as I continued reading.
[What are you all looking at me for?] Evelyn continued. [I'm just telling the truth. And not only did she use her connections, but she also brought in this Dina person out of nowhere to be Design Director. Are you all really okay with this?]
I let out a cold laugh, about to type a response when I saw Dina had already replied:
[Ms. Evelyn, I understand your concerns about my appointment. Feel free to submit your portfolio to Ms. Stone for comparison with mine. If your work proves superior, I'll resign immediately. If not, please clear out your desk by tomorrow morning.]
I smiled slightly, impressed by Dina's directness. My phone pinged with a private message from her: [The situation has been handled. The employee won't be returning tomorrow. Please don't concern yourself, Ms. Stone.]
[Good work. The company needs loyal employees, not gossips.] I replied, setting my phone aside. One less problem to worry about.
---
Noah was waiting outside when I emerged from the building with my laptop bag. His charcoal suit made him look more distinguished than usual, and he flashed me a warm smile as I approached.
"Right on time," I said, sliding into the passenger seat.
"Always." He pulled smoothly into traffic as I continued reviewing documents. Noah respected my need to focus, driving in comfortable silence.
After a few minutes, he spoke up. "Just heard the Underwood family representatives will be at the client meeting too."
I glanced up, a slight smile playing on my lips. "Doesn't matter. Their presence won't change the outcome."
We stopped at a red light, and I gazed out the window, watching pedestrians rush past. "The Underwoods think they can snatch this project from me," I mused, "not realizing they're walking straight into my trap."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "You sound pretty confident."
"This collaboration is already secure," I replied, thinking of the weeks of groundwork I'd laid. "They're just there for show."
---
The VIP lounge at the airport provided a welcome respite from the morning's activity. I sank into one of the plush chairs, enjoying the relative quiet as we waited to board.
My momentary peace was interrupted by my phone vibrating with an incoming message. It was from my assistant, containing several photos of Megan entering an unfamiliar building.
The accompanying message read: [Megan has been frequenting this location daily, but we can't identify the occupant. The person is extremely cautious, using diversionary tactics that cause our trackers to lose them. Their ability to conceal their presence suggests werewolf training.]
I studied the blurry figure in the background of one image. Something about that silhouette seemed disturbingly familiar, though I couldn't place it.
[Stand down for now. We'll revisit this later.] I typed quickly, tucking my phone away.
"Problems?" Noah asked, noticing my expression.
"Just Megan being Megan," I replied vaguely. "Nothing that can't wait until after this trip."
The boarding announcement came over the speakers, and we gathered our things. Once settled in our business class seats, the accumulated fatigue of recent weeks suddenly hit me. Between managing the company, dealing with Sebastien, and the early stages of pregnancy, I was running on fumes.
I leaned back in my seat,and soon my eyelids grew heavy, and I surrendered to the exhaustion washing over me. In my half-conscious state, I felt something soft being draped over me—a blanket, I assumed, though I was too tired to open my eyes.