Chapter 250

Chapter 250
Iris's POV

I stood in the doorway, watching Rachel and Bob walk away. Despite Rachel's cold demeanor, I caught that momentary hesitation in her eyes when Bob approached her. There was still something there—a spark that hadn't completely died out. I hoped they'd find their way back to each other, just as Sebastien and I were slowly finding our way.

When I turned around, Sebastien was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and a slight smile playing on his lips. The morning light outlined his tall figure, making him look almost otherworldly. My heart did that stupid little jump it always did whenever I saw him unexpectedly.

"Thinking about playing matchmaker?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

I walked toward him, shaking my head. "They need to figure it out themselves."

As I approached, Sebastien reached out, pulling me into his arms with surprising gentleness. His lips found mine in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened. I could feel his heartbeat accelerating against my chest, matching my own quickening pulse.

When we finally broke apart, I couldn't help but comment, "Bob's apology game is better than yours ever was."

Sebastien's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Then I'll just have to do better next time." His thumb traced my jawline, sending little electric shocks down my spine. "I've learned my lesson about letting you go."

We stood there embracing, enjoying this rare moment of peace. The morning breeze carried the scent of Jack's prized roses, and for just a moment, everything felt right in the world.

Sebastien lowered his head, his lips brushing against my neck. "You smell amazing," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin.

I pushed him back slightly, trying to ignore the way my body responded to his touch. "We're standing right outside your grandfather-in-law's house, behave yourself."

He smirked but didn't move away. "Have you thought about working with us again? Crescent has a new project that would be perfect for you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to mix business with pleasure, Mr. Grey?"

"Is it working?" His expression was hopeful, like a child asking for dessert before dinner.

"I'll consider it," I replied, maintaining that careful distance we'd established—close enough to feel the heat, far enough to maintain my sanity.

His face lit up with genuine happiness, and he pressed another quick kiss to my lips. This new, emotionally available Sebastien still caught me off guard. The cold, distant Alpha I'd married seemed like a different person entirely.

The next morning, I walked into Stone Industries, immediately greeted by my assistant hurrying toward me with an armful of documents.

"Mrs. Stone! Thank you for coming in. These all need your approval," she said breathlessly, looking slightly overwhelmed.

"Deep breaths, Mia," I said, taking half the stack from her. "We'll get through them one at a time."

Sitting at my desk felt right—a different kind of right than being with my twins, but essential nonetheless. I'd worked too hard to build this part of my identity to abandon it. As I reviewed the documents, I came across the Crescent Design proposal Sebastien had mentioned. Of course, he'd already sent it over. Always one step ahead.

I studied the terms carefully before signing my name. This collaboration wasn't just business—it was another bridge being rebuilt between us.

By noon, I was seated at the head of our conference room table, surrounded by department heads for our quarterly meeting. Looking around at these familiar faces, I felt a surge of belonging. This company was my father's legacy, now my responsibility, and someday my children's inheritance.

"Here's the latest quarterly report," Harris, our financial director, said as he passed me the data. "Profits are up 15% from last quarter. The changes you've implemented since taking over have been remarkably effective."

I flipped through the report, already formulating our next moves. "We'll be strengthening our collaboration with Crescent Design. I believe this partnership will create significant growth opportunities."

The meeting proceeded smoothly as we discussed market strategies and set clear objectives for the coming quarter. Being back in this role felt energizing—a perfect counterbalance to my new identity as a mother.

As we wrapped up, I glanced at my watch, calculating how soon I could get back to the twins. Despite being fully engaged here, part of my heart remained with them. This balance of identities—business leader and mother—was my new normal.

"Thank you everyone, that's all for today," I said, gathering my notes.

Lisa from Marketing gave me a knowing smile. "Rushing back to the little ones?"

I didn't bother hiding my maternal pride. "They're at that age where they notice when Mom's gone."

Walking back to my office, I checked a message from Sebastien: "Hope the meeting went well. Don't work too hard. The twins and I are waiting for you at home."

The care in his message warmed me. Just as I was about to reply, a knock at my door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, looking up to see K enter with his characteristically serious expression.

"Ma'am, I have new information about the Northern European pack," K said in a low voice, carefully closing the door behind him.

I set my phone down, immediately switching gears. The Northern European wolves were connected to my mother's disappearance, my father's death, and the jade bracelet that had caused so much trouble. This was unfinished business—business that directly affected my family's safety.

"Tell me," I said, my voice steady despite the sudden tension in my shoulders. "What have you found?"