Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Custody disputes. So this is about Arthur after all. My heart sinks, a cold feeling of betrayal washing over me. Was the hospital all Just for show? All that concern, all that devotion–was it just another manipulation tactic?

“May I see the rest of the apartment?” the CPS agent asks, although it’s clearly not a request but rather an announcement.

I nod stiffly, leading her through the small apartment. She makes notes as we go. She comments on the size of Miles‘ bedroom,

which is admittedly tiny compared to his room at Arthur’s place. She notes the fact that we’re still not fully unpacked, boxes

stacked in corners. She points out the dust on the shelves, the sink full of unwashed dishes.

“Do you clean regularly?” she asks, running a finger along a windowsill.

“I’ve been in the hospital,” I remind her. “For a week. After a near–fatal car accident.”

She makes another note. “And before that?”

**Before that, we had just moved in. I was still getting s

settled.”

“And from my records…” She scans her notepad. “You’ve moved into three different homes in the past three months, including rendering yourself and your son homeless at one point in an attempt to return to Bo’Arrocan.”

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly feeling sore. “There were… extenuating circumstances,” I say. She doesn’t answer, of course;

just adds it to her notes.

The tour continues, with the woman finding fault with nearly everything she sees. The lack of childproofing on lower cabinets.

The medication on my nightstand, within Miles‘ reach. The art supplies in my studio that a child could access.

By the time we return to the living room, I’m shaking–partly from exhaustion, partly from anger. Brian, Liam, and Miles are

there, Miles proudly showing off a crayon drawing of what appears to be the three of us: him, me, and Arthur.

The woman crouches down to his level. “Miles, can I ask you some questions?”

He looks at me uncertainly. I nod, hoping my face doesn’t betray my fear.

“Are you happy living here with your mom?” she asks.

Miles nods.

“Do you miss your dad?”

He nods again.

The woman’s eyebrows rise slightly as she picks up the drawing. “You do?”

My heart cracks a little at his tiny voice. He’s frightened, and clamming up. After everything, the last thing I want is for him to

Just as I’m about to move toward Miles, the woman straightens up, turning to me. “I have some concerns about the living

holds up the drawing. “And Miles clearly wants to be with both parents.”

“I’m an artist,” I say. “The Abbott Gallery residency is a huge opportunity for me. This apartment comes with the position. It’s temporary, until I can find something better.”

“And in the meantime, your child lives in inadequate conditions while his father has a perfectly suitable home available.”