Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur)

Iris

As I take a seat all the way at the other end of the long glass conference table, I can't help but feel a little awkward. The distance between us feels like miles. Does Veronica really need to seat us so far apart?

But I keep my expression serene and don't mention it, refusing to show

discomfort. Veronica likely doesn't mean anything by it, anyway, and even if she does, I don't want to cause a scene over seating arrangements,

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*Thank you for meeting with me today," I begin with a smile. "I've been thinking about ways to expand my arts education initiative, and I think partnering with the Ordan Public School Fund would be the perfect next step."

Veronica tilts her head slightly so that a delicate strand of hair falls perfectly against her slender cheek. "I'm intrigued. What exactly do you have in mind?"

I open my portfolio and pull out the proposal I've prepared. Of course, she's so fucking far away that I can't even slideft to her, so I get up, walk down the length of the enormous table, hand it to her, then return to my seat. My heels click the whole way, seeming to echo in the vast room.

"I was

thinking of hosting a charity gala with an art auction" I explain once I've finally taken my seat once more. "I would like to contribute several of my own pieces to auction off, and I've already spoken to other local artists who are willing to donate work. The Marsiel Gallery has offered their space, and Abbott Gallery is on board to help with advertising "

"Impressive, "Veronica says, and I can't tell if she actually means it or if she's just being polite. I hope it's the former, although I'm never certain with her. "You've done your homework."

"I want to make a real difference this time," I say with a shrug. "My children's day event was symbolic-

"And came with some drama," Veronica adds.

I press my lips into a thin line and refuse to comment. "Regardless, the funds we raised simply weren't enough to make a large impact on the disparity between private and public school education. My main goal is to help bridge the gap.

She tilts her head again. "To ensure that public school children receive a good education, or to ensure Miles won't be ridiculed for attending private school?"

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chest constricts with a flare of anger, but I quickly tamp it down. "Two things can be true at the same time.

"Of course." Veronica takes her time reviewing the document. I try not to fidget as I wait for her response. The only sound in the room is that of the rustling of papers.noveldrama

"This is ambitious," she finally says, looking up at me. "But I do see potential. There are some financial considerations we need to discuss, though."

I nod, pulling out my notepad. "Of course. That's one reason I wanted to partner with your charity-you have the infrastructure in place for handling major donations."

"The Ordan Public School Fund has significant operating costs," Veronica explains, pulling

tablet and

tapping on the screen. "Staff salaries, administrative expenses... We'd need to meet a certain threshold before any donations could be directly allocated to school programs."

She turns the tablet toward me, and even from here, I can see the exorbitant number. I suppress a gasp. It's nearly triple what I had budgeted for.

"That's... a lot more than anticipated," I admit, glancing a her.

Veronica's smile is unwavering. "Quality initiatives require proper funding, Iris. This isn't a bake sale we're ronning."

I swallow my automatic defensive response. “No, of course not. I understand."

“The question is,” Veronica says, “can you meet this goal? Your previous event, while well-intentioned, didn't exactly bring in substantial funds....

My face warms at the dig, but I force my smile to remain in place. As if the paparazzi can take pictures of my sour mug through the windows. Which, actually, the windows are so large they might actually be able to

"I believe we can," I manage. "With the right sponsors and an exclusive guest list,

plus the art auction, we should be able to meet or even exceed that amount."