Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 263

Chapter 203

Chapter 263

+25 BONUS

Think Arthur and bare doing just fine,” I manage to say, even in maging a small smile. “But thanks for your concem.

Veronica laughs lightly. “I hope that didn’t come across the wrong way. I just worry about you, cousin, and I’ve been in the spotlight long enough to know how the publle works.” she touches my arm briefly. “Please, enjoy your party, Iris. You’ve

And with that, she glides away, leaving me with the lingering scent of her expensive perfume and a knot in my stomach. I watch her move through the crowd, stopping to chat with various guests her laugliter floating above the music.

“You okay?” Arthur appeat at my side so suddenly it thakes in jus, “You look upset,”

Itorce my mouth into a sunile. “I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed by everything

He studies me for a moment, clearly not convinced, but nods. “Let me low if you need to step outside for some air.”

“I will”

I refuse to let Veronica’s words ruin my night. This is my celebration, and I’m determined to enjoy it. So I put her comments to the back of my mind and focus on being present, on dancing with Arthur, laughing with my friends, enjoying the exquisite food and the company of people I love.

o home,

leaving

And for the most part, it works. The rest of the evening passes in a blur. By the time the main bulk of the guests gol Arthur, myself, and our closer friends, the party even turns into a rot of laughter and drinking.

apy. Whatever weird, unsettling interaction

By the time we head home in the early hours of the morning. I’m exhausted but happy. had with Veronica feels distant and very much unimportant.

The next morning, I wake to Miles jumping on my bed, excited about the move. “Are we going to Daddy’s house today?”

“Not today, buddy.” I wrap my arms around him and pull him close as if to cuddle, but really I’m just hungover and his bouncing is making me nauseous. “We’ve still got a lot of packing to do first

He pouts momentarily but quickly rebounds. “Do I have to pack my toys?”

t yet,” I laugh, ruffling his hair. “We’ll save those for last.”

“Not y

After running out for breakfast–I need something greasy to nurse my hangover, and I want to treat Miles and Emi–we spend the morning sorting through clothes and books. It’s a good distraction, and soon, I forget about last night’s discomfort entirely.

Around lunchtime, while Miles is talking a break to watch cartoons, I open my laptop to check emails. Anotification pops up from one of the major news sites, and I click on it without thinking

My heart sinks as I read the headline: “VERONICA STEALS THE SHOW, TWICE! Pianist Outshines Lama at Her Own Exhibition.

Then at Afterparty.”

Below the headline is a split image: on one side, Veronica at the piano, looking ethereal; on the other, me watching her, my expression caught in what appears to be a grimace. I don’t even remember making that face, but the camera caught me at the perfect moment to make it look like I was seething with jealousy.

The article goes on to detail Veronica’s “surprise heartfelt tribute“at my party, describing her performance as “moving” and ”

“There’s only a brief mention of my exhibition, reduced to a single sentence that just outlines the way everyone rushed to see Veronica when she entered and has nothing to do with my art.

But it’s the comments section that really twists the life. As I scroll, I read comment after comment questioning why A would choose me over someone like Veronica. “She’s gorgeous AND talented!” one reads. “What does triseven bring table?”

Another: “Iris was a nobody before her family debuted her, and heart is subpar. Veronica would make a much better Luna She’s got class, REAL talent, and beauty. Iris just looks bitter and jealous all the time.”