Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 85

And finally, there are images of me and Arthur running out of the event, Arthur ahead of me. Arthur’s mask and glasses have fallen off, displaying his identity–and by extension, mine.

It makes me sick. I didn’t even notice anyone taking photos let alone while we were rescuing Miles. Instead of helping, some creep was photographing us?

“What is this?” I ask, my voice shaking as I look back up at the two men.

Mr. Brooks‘ lips curl up ever so slightly at the corners. Gone is the man with the award–winning smile, replaced by a snake in the grass.

“Miss Iris,” he says, “we believe these images showcase your parenting skills–leaving your son behind with strangers so you could go out cavorting around town. Meanwhile, Alpha Arthur is repeatedly shown taking the pivotal role in saving your son. He was the first to exit the building, even letting his disguise slip in the process. He was the one who risked his life to pull your child out of the water while you stood by, holding his coat.”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “But that’s only half of the story,” I say, slamming the folder shut and shoving it back across the table. “Arthur and I both searched for Miles. It was a team effort.”

Mr. Lee simply shrugs. “Not–from the public point of view. There are already rumors going around in some spaces that you intentionally left your child with a mentally disturbed elderly woman and a flighty old man so you could go and make money off of your artwork.”

“I had to earn enough money to afford your absurd fees,” I scoff. “Besides, Cliff and Augustine are good people who just made a mistake. They’re not ‘mentally disturbed‘ or ‘flighty‘.”

The two men don’t look convinced. I fold my arms. “Can I at least get a refund, since you’re not going to help me?” I ask.

At that, Mr. Brooks laughs. Laughs.

“We gave you a consultation,” he says. “That’s what you paid for.”

Great. With a huff, I push my chair back and stand. It seems I have to start all over again, further delaying my exit from this damn city.

But just as I’m about to leave, Mr. Lee calls out to me. “Ahem. Iris?”

I turn, curling my lip. “What?”

He nods toward the folder. “If these photos get out, then you and the Alpha President could be in hot water. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

It takes all of two seconds for me to get what he’s implying. “Are you trying to blackmail me?” I ask, planting my hands on my hips.

“Here’s a bribe for you,” I say, feeling spiteful. I reach into my pocket, pretending to pull out my wallet, only to flash my middle finger at both of them. And with that, I turn and storm out of the office, leaving the two men behind.