Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 272

+25 BONUS

“Hello?”

Veronica’s voice crackles through the Intercont

“It’s Iris. Iris Will I stop myself, realizing how stupid I sound. She knows who I am. “Caleb gave me your address. I was hoping I could talk to you about something.

There’s a brief pause, and I wonder if she’s going to tum me away at then the gate buzzes and begins to slide open. “Come on up, darling. Penthouse floor.”

The lobby of her building is pristine and minimalist, all sleek marble and chrome. A uniformed doorman nods at me as I head for the elevator. As I ride up to the top floor, my stomach twists with nerves. What if she laughs at my proposal? What if she thinks I’m an idiot for even trying to organize something like thing

The elevator doors slide open directly into her penthouse, no hallway or separate entrance required. I step out into what looks like a magazine spread

Veronica’s apartment is open concept, with floor–to–ceiling windows showcasing a panoramic view of the city. The furniture is sleek and minimal and painfully white, which seems like a distant cream for a mother. If I had white furniture, it would be anything but white in about five seconds.

And the art–there’s so much of it. Paintings that I recognize as works by some of the most prestigious contemporary artists hang on the walls. Sculptures that probably cost more than a year’s rent at my old apartment are displayed on minimalist pedestals.

And there, in the center of the main room, sits a gleaming black grand piano, positioned so that whoever plays it can look out over the city.

“Like what you see?”

I turn toward the voice to find Veronica descending a floating staircase, looking like she just stepped out of a magazine herself. She’s wearing a silky, champagne–colored nightgown that cascades all the way to the floor. Over it, she wears a sheer robe with feather trim around the cuffs and hem. Her hair cascades down her back in perfect waves, and even without makeup, her skin glows.

“I’m sorry if I interrupted you getting ready to go somewhere,” I say quickly.

“Oh, I’m actually taking the day off,” she says airily. “Sorry for my appearance. I look like a mess.”

I curl my lip involuntarily before I can stop myself. Sure. She looks like a total mess. Meanwhile, I’m standing here in jeans and my yellow cardigan with the hole in it, hair thrown up in a messy bien, probably with breakfast crumbs still on my shirt from Miles’s enthusiastic eating habits this moming.

Before I can say anything, Veronica tilts her head, noticing the bundle of paperwork under my arm. “Is that from Wellington Academy?” she asks.

I glance down, realizing I grabbed the enrollment paperwork along with my laptop by accident, then nod. “Yes—Arthur and i decided to enroll Miles. He’ll be starting school in a couple of week. ”

Veronica’s lips curve. “That’s wonderful. It’s a very prestigious school.”

“It’s close to our home, so Miles can walk to school when he gets older,” I say, not that I need to justify it to her. Finally, I clear my throat and get to the point. “Veronica, I’m here because Caleb mentioned that you run the Ordan Pu

“Ah, yes,” she says, moving toward the kitchen area. “Would you Lke some tea? Coffee?”

School Fund.”

Tea would be nice, thanks.”

She fills an electric kettle and takes out two delicate porcelain cups”