Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 209

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Chapter 209

I wince at the metaphor but don’t comment. Instead, I study his face, trying to decipher every line and twitch. Somehow, his expression is neutral, as if he wasn’t just telling Arthur that I’m not fit to be a mother or a wife.

“I received your invitation,” he says after a moment. “To the dinner party.”

“Oh.” My stomach flips. “Yes, I hope you and Wendy can make it.”

“We’ll be there,” he says, and I can tell that the promise pains him slightly. He pauses, then adds, “It was… thoughtful of you to include us.”

The admission seems to cost him something. I seize the opportunity.

“What’s your favorite cocktail?” I ask, offering what I hope looks like a serene smile and not a painful grimace. I’d like to serve it at the party.”

Leonard’s eyebrows raise slightly. “You don’t have to-”

“I want to,” I insist. “Please.”

He studies me for a long moment, then nods. “Very well. There’s a drink I enjoy. It’s not common–my own creation, actually. Kiwi muddled with mint, gin, lime juice, and a splash of elderflower liqueur.”

I commit the recipe to memory. “That sounds delicious. I’ll make sure to have it ready.”

Something in Leonard’s expression softens, just slightly. It’s so faint I almost miss it, but the fact that it’s even there at all fills me with relief. This feels like a step in the right direction. “Thank you,” he says.

Before either of us can say more, I hear familiar voices approaching.

“Mommy!”

Miles comes running around the corner, Arthur close behind. My son launches himself at me, and I scoop him up, kissing him all over. “Hey there, little wolf. Did you have a fun sleepover with Daddy?”

Miles giggles, trying to push me away as I tickle his neck with my kisses. “Yes! We watched movies, and Daddy even ordered a pizza!”

Arthur’s eyes narrow when he sees his father. “What’s going on here?”

“Your father just helped me with some… overeager journalists,” I explain quickly.

Arthur’s protective stance doesn’t relax. He moves closer to me, placing a hand on my lower back. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Really.” I turn to Leonard. “Thank you again.”

Leonard nods to both of us. “Arthur. Iris.” He glances at Miles. “Grandson.”

With that, he walks away, leaving Arthur staring after him with a confused expression.

“What was that about?” Arthur asks once his father is out of earshot.

“Didn’t you get the invitation?”

“Yes, but-”

“I invited your parents,” I say, shifting Miles to my hip. “Along with Caleb. And you. And Hunter a. Alice, of course.” I couldn’t help but invite my friends for support. I wish I could have invited Brian and Liam and the

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twins, but they’re busy in Bo’Arrocan.

Arthur’s head whips back to me. “You what?”