Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 284

That’s the spirit,” Veronica says brightly. “I’d be happy to share our donor database with you. Many of them are enthusiastic about arts education.”

I jot down notes as Veronica continues outlining what the partnership would entail. Despite the higher financial bar, working with her established charity would give my initiative instant credibility. And the PR benefits of publicly joining forces would be invaluable after those awful tabloid stories.

“I think this could work well for both of us,” I say once we’ve gone through all the details. “I’m committed to making it a success.”

“Wonderful.” Veronica stands, tenting her fingers on the glass table. “We’ll need to move quickly, though. The fall social season fills up fast, and we want to secure the best date.”

“I was thinking three weeks from now,” I suggest. “Alice said the gallery is available then.”

Veronica raises an eyebrow. “Three weeks? That’s ambitious.”

“I work well under pressure.”

“Clearly.” Her eyes do a quick sweep over me as if assessing me. “Very well. I’ll have my team start on the paperwork immediately.”

With that, Veronica extends her hand. She doesn’t make a move to walk toward me. I bite back a comment and cross over to her, then shake her slender hand.

Now that we’re this close, I can’t help but notice something or rather, the absence of something. The lavender and lily scent she wore at the children’s day event is gone, replaced by something more expensive–smelling and distinctly different.

Did she stop wearing it because of what happened with Miles? Or had she worn it specifically for that day, knowing that Miles might recognize it as my scent?

I shake the thought away immediately. I’m being paranoid again, looking for malice where there might be none. Maybe she just wears different perfumes on different days, like most rich people do. I’m just used to having very little money and having to stretch a single bottle of perfume over the course of a full year.

“Oh, before I go,” I say as I gather my materials, “I wanted to check something. The last time I prepared a proposal, there were some… discrepancies in the financial section when I presented it. I want to make sure we’re absolutely clear on the donation threshold before we proceed. It seems quite high for operating costs.”

Something flashes in Veronica’s eyes–so quickly I almost miss it–before her polite smile returns. “The Ordan Public School Fund has been operational for eight years, Iris. Our financial model is meticulously developed and has been independently audited. I assure you, we know what we’re doing.”

“I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise,” I say quickly. “I’m just eager to learn more about charity management. Working alongside you will be a great opportunity for me to understand these things better.”

Veronica’s smile widens a fraction. “Indeed. The learning curve can be… steep for rookies. But don’t worry, cousin. I’m sure you’ll catch up eventually.”

The words are perfectly pleasant, but something in her tone makes my skin prickle. Did she just imply I’m slow to learn? Or am I being overly sensitive… again?

“Well, I appreciate your guidance,” I say with a nod.

“That’s what family is for,” Veronica says sweetly. “We wouldn’t want another incident like the children’s day,

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Chapter 284

would we?”