Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236

Iris

The entire ballroom falls silent as Selina strides in looking like she wasn’t just in a coma yesterday. She’s fully decked out to the

nines in a stunning silver ball gown, her hair and makeup utterly perfect.

But her face is thunderous, cold gray eyes narrowed and fixed directly on me. Even after months in a coma, it seems her

shrewdness has only intensified.

People step out of her way as she cuts through the crowd without hesitating. Some look alarmed, but most just look excited by the

drama unfolding. Margaret and the other Selina supporters I’d been warned about are practically buzzing.

Arthur moves to stand in front of me, but I place a hand on his arm, recalling Veronica’s words. I won’t appear weak. Especially

not tonight, on one of the most important nights of my life.

Selina stops a few feet away, her eyes raking over me from head to toe. She takes in the wildflower gown, the expensive jewelry,

my place at the center of a party clearly thrown in my honor.

“So,” she says, lifting her chin. “I see you’ve been playing dress–up while I’ve been gone.”

Whispers ripple through the crowd. My mother makes a small sound of distress, and my father places a hand on her shoulder.

I take a deep breath and step forward, ignoring the throb in my ankle. “Selina. I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”

Her eyes narrow further. “Don’t pretend you care about my well–being. You’ve been busy, haven’t you? Stealing my fiance,

taking my place in my family, wearing my mother’s jewelry.”

My cheeks burn, but I keep my expression neutral. Getting defensive will only make me look guilty, and I’ve done nothing wrong.

“I understand why you’re upset,” I say calmly. “This must be confusing and overwhelming for you.”

“Overwhelming?” she scoffs. “Try infuriating. You manipulated your way into my family, convinced them of some ridiculous

baby–swap story-”

“It’s not a story, Selina,” my father interjects firmly. “DNA tests have confirmed it.”

Selina’s eyes flash to him, hurt flickering across her face before hardening again. “And you just accepted it? Twenty–six years of being your daughter, and you toss me aside for -for her?”

“No one is tossing you aside, honey,” my mother says gently. “You’re still our daughter in every way that matters.”