Chapter 85
Iris's POV
Catherine's fake sobbing echoed through my phone speaker, each whimper more theatrical than the last. I stared at my nails, examining the perfect pearl finish I'd applied earlier that day. The sound grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
"Every single time," I thought, rolling my eyes. "The crying, the guilt trips, the whole 'pack family' card. How many years has she been playing this exact same game?"
"Not happening, Catherine," I cut in, my voice flat and cold. "Find someone else to save your sinking ship."
Before she could respond with more manufactured tears, I hung up. The sudden silence in the hotel room felt like a blessing. I set my phone down on the bed and resumed filing my nails.
"Finally," I muttered.
Rachel shifted closer on the bed, her eyes wide. "She really thought you'd help them after everything they did?"
I stared at my phone for a long moment. "You know what? I think I will go back to the Stone territory."
"What?" Rachel looked shocked. "After you just told her no?"
I looked up, my eyes gleaming. "Oh, I'm not going to help them. But this is the perfect opportunity to deal with the Stone family situation once and for all. I'd be stupid not to take it."
"What do you mean?"
A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.
Rachel leaned back against the headboard, watching me carefully. "You've got something planned, don't you?"
I imagined Catherine's smug face right now—probably already calling everyone in the pack, gloating about how she'd convinced me to come back with Sebastien's money in tow. The thought made me let out a cold laugh.
"She still thinks I'm that same little wolf she can manipulate," I said, shaking my head. "She honestly believes I'm going to convince Sebastien to give them divorce settlement money and help save their territory. Like I'm still that desperate for approval."
Rachel snorted. "As if you'd give them a dime after what they tried to do to you."
"Exactly." I reached for my phone, checking flights. "We should head back tonight. That'll put us in Moon Bay early tomorrow morning."
Rachel was already on her phone, tapping rapidly. "Got it. There's a flight leaving in three hours. If we hurry, we can make it."
I nodded, feeling a strange calm settle over me. The pieces were falling into place.
"Perfect," I said, standing up to pack.
While Rachel gathered her things, I sent a text message: "Status update?"
The reply came almost instantly: "All set. Documentation ready with evidence."
I smiled, satisfaction warming my chest. I sent another message to a different contact: "Tomorrow afternoon. Need you to have people stationed outside Stone family territory."
When the confirmation came through, I slipped my phone into my pocket. It was amazing how much easier things were with human money and connections. Something the Stone family had never understood.
The trip back was a blur of airports, taxis, and minimal conversation. After dropping Rachel at her place, I finally made it to my apartment. The moment I stepped inside, exhaustion hit me like a physical wave. I barely managed to kick off my shoes before collapsing on my bed.
I woke up hours later, groggy and disoriented. My stomach growled painfully, reminding me I hadn't eaten since the airplane meal. Shuffling to the kitchen, I grabbed some yogurt and fruit, eating mechanically while scrolling through emails.
After eating, I laid out my clothes for tomorrow, selecting each piece with careful consideration. This would be a performance, and I needed to look the part. Finally, I checked the internal message boards for the wolf community, noting with interest several veiled posts about financial troubles in the Stone territory.
Sleep claimed me again soon after, my body still adjusting from the travel.
---
I woke at nine, taking my time with breakfast and a long shower. There was no need to rush. In fact, arriving a little later than expected would only increase Catherine's anxiety—a small but satisfying bonus.
Standing before my full-length mirror, I applied makeup with precision—light enough to look natural but flawless enough to project confidence. I chose a cream-colored silk blouse that complemented my skin tone perfectly, pairing it with a fitted black leather skirt that hit just above my knees. My hair fell in soft waves past my shoulders, and a single strand of pearls adorned my neck.
The woman in the mirror looked poised, powerful, and completely in control. Exactly the image I wanted to project.
---
I parked my car a block away from the Stone family territory, sliding on my sunglasses as I stepped out. The afternoon sun was bright, glinting off the windows of the imposing stone mansion ahead. But what caught my attention was the group of people gathered at the front gates.
I recognized them immediately—not werewolves, but humans. Creditors. At least a dozen of them were arguing with Catherine's brother, their voices raised in anger. From my position, I could hear fragments of their shouting.
"—six months of promises—"
"—need payment today or we're taking legal action—"
"—already been more than patient—"
I watched as one particularly aggressive man pushed past Catherine's brother, leading the others in a surge through the gates. Catherine and Kim appeared at the front door, Catherine's face twisted in panic as she tried to stop the intrusion. But the creditors were beyond listening, forcing their way into the house. The sound of something shattering came from inside, followed by more shouting.
Two of the Stone wolves started to shift, teeth bared in threat, but it only made the situation worse. The creditors pulled out phones, threatening to record the transformation.
My phone rang, and I wasn't surprised to see Catherine's name on the screen.
"Where are you?" she demanded, her voice shrill with panic. "They're breaking everything! You need to get here now!"
"I'm on my way," I said calmly, continuing to watch the scene from a distance. "I'll be there soon."
"Hurry!" she shrieked before hanging up.
I stood there for several more minutes, observing the chaos with cold detachment. Then I made a quick call to check that everything was in place.
"All the documents ready?" I asked.
"Yes, Ms. Stone. The transfer paperwork, ownership documents, and court orders are all prepared. The officers are standing by."
"Good. Give them the signal in twenty minutes."
I ended the call and walked slowly toward the mansion, stopping just outside the gates. Catherine spotted me and rushed over, her designer outfit disheveled, her face pale with fear.
"Iris! Thank God you're finally here," she gasped. "Do you have it? The bank transfer confirmation? Did Sebastian agree to help?"
I looked at her, taking in the desperation in her eyes, and smiled.