Chapter 287 

Iris 

I’ve never been to the Ordan Botanical Gardens, but it’s just as beautiful as all the brochures claim. Particularly stunning is the butterfly conservatory; late afternoon sunlight filters through the glass ceiling, casting dappled shadows across the winding stone paths. Tropical plants crowd the edges of the walkway–enomous elephant ear leaves, colorful orchids, and climbing 

vines. 

And despite the time of year, there are butterflies everywhere, thriving in the humid air of the conservatory. They flutter between blossoms, rest on broad leaves, and occasionally land on visitors who stand still enough. 

Arthur and I stroll hand in hand, pausing every few feet to admire particularly striking species. One with brilliant blue wings perches on a nearby flower, slowly opening and closing its wings. 

We continue down the path, entering a section devoted to night–blooming flowers. According to the brochure, the gardens have adjusted the lighting in this area to trick the plants into thinking it’s evening, allowing visitors to see the blossoms that normally open only after dark. 

The effect is magical–moon flowers, evening primrose, night–blooming jasmine. Each species is equally stunning, and tantalizingly fragrant. 

Arthur stops beneath a flowering tree to pull me close. “Thanks for suggesting this,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my forehead as he speaks. “It’s been too long since we had time just for us.” 

I lean into him. “I know. Between Miles starting school and all the charity planning and—” 

“Excuse me? Aren’t you Iris Willford?” 

I turn to find a couple standing a few feet away. The woman who spoke is frowning slightly, while her companion crosses his arms over his chest. If their posture is any indication, they’re not fans. 

“Yes, I am,” I reply with a polite smile. Arthur tenses slightly beside me, keeping a firm smile on his own face while he protectively places one foot in front of me, as if to protect me. 

The woman’s frown deepens. “I thought so. I just can’t believe you’re out enjoying yourself at the botanical gardens in the midst of all this drama about your son’s school. Shouldn’t you be, don’t know, addressing public concerns?” 

Her companion nods vigorously. “Seems like you don’t really care how the public perceives you. Just want to live that cushy lifestyle on the Alpha’s dime while pretending to care about public education.” 

Arthur opens his mouth, but before he can respond, I say warmly, I understand your concern. You’re absolutely right that I should be thinking about these things more carefully.” 

This clearly isn’t the reaction they were expecting. The woman blinks in surprise. Even Arthur briefly shifts his gaze to me, brows lifted. 

“But I’m also trying to enjoy a date with my mate,” I continue, gesturing to Arthur. “He’s the love of my life, and we don’t get many opportunities like this with our schedules. Actually, if I weren’t here today, I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet you both and hear your perspective, which I truly value.” 

The man’s crossed arms loosen a bit. “Well, I guess everyone deserves some time off…” 

” 

‘Absolutely,” I agree. “And isn’t it wonderful that the Ordan Botanical Garden has a sliding scale for ticket prices? It allows everyone to visit, regardless of background. Hopefully, with enough effort, the same can be said for Ordan schools. Which is precisely why I’m working with the Ordan Public School Fund for another charity event.” 

The woman’s expression shifts somewhat, and she and the man exchange glances. Before I know it, they’re moving forward, asking questions about the upcoming event and my plans for the future of Ordan. 

We end up chatting for nearly fifteen minutes. They introduce themselves, and as it turns out, they’re both public school teachers who are understandably frustrated by the lack of resources in their classrooms. By the time our conversation winds 

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Chapter 287 

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down, the woman is showing me photos of her students‘ art projects on her phone. 

“Would you mind if we took a picture with you?” the man asks, looking a little sheepish. “The kids would get a kick out of knowing their teacher met the future Luna.” 

Chapter 288