Chapter 295
Iris
+25 BONUS
The flash of cameras is as blinding as ever as Arthur and I step onto the red carpet leading into the Marsiel Gallery. Arthur keeps close to me, as always, gently guiding me up the path.
“Iris! Over here!”
“Miss Willford, this way please!”
“Arthur, Iris, look this way!”
The shouts of the photographers and the flashing cameras used to make me freeze like a deer in headlights–and they still do, sort of. It still makes my heart pound and my palms sweat. But tonight I find myself smiling just a little more naturally, striding up the red carpet with elegant poise.
I think, after all my training and practice, I have begun to improve at this. And if Arthur’s supportive squeeze against my lower back and his subtle wink when I glance up at him is any indication I think he agrees.
After wading through a sea of fans and reporters, Emi and Ezra clearing the path ahead, we make our way into the gallery, which has been transformed for the event.
I can’t help but gasp softly as we step inside and I finally get to see all of the past weeks‘ hard work in action. The usually stark white walls are now draped with rich red fabric at the far end of the gallery, creating a backdrop for the artwork that will be auctioned off tonight. The space is lit mostly by candles and soft ambient lighting rather than bright gallery lighting, and waiters circulate with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
The artwork that will be auctioned off later is hanging on the walls so guests can look up close before bidding begins–all except for the starting piece, which is veiled under a white sheet on the stage. It’s my piece.
“Breathe,” Arthur reminds me quietly. “It’s going to be a success.
I inhale deeply, just as he instructed. “I just hope we meet the donation goal. It’s really high.”
“We will,” he assures me, although something in his eyes looks troubled. He’s been acting strangely these past couple of days- a little distant, as if something is on his mind. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much of a chance with everything going on to find out what’s troubling him.
Par for the course, we’re immediately approached by a man and a woman that I instantly recognize–Mr. and Mrs. Othon, a power couple in Ordan, known for their generous contributions to various charities. The woman is tall and slender with elegant
silver hair, and the man is short and round with a very kind face.
“Iris, darling, you look stunning!” Mrs. Othon exclaims, air–kissing both of my cheeks. I only met her briefly at my debut, but I smile and return the gesture as if we’re old friends. “This event is simply marvelous. The gallery was the perfect choice.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling. “We’re so grateful you could make it.”
Mr. Othon shakes Arthur’s hand firmly. “Excellent turnout, Alpha Arthur. I assume you’ve strong–armed most of the Ordan politicians into attending?”
Arthur laughs and looks at me, wrapping his arm around my waist to tug me close. Even through the heavy velvet bodice of the gown my mother gave me, his touch is warm and comforting. “I didn’t have to. The cause speaks for itself.”
“And speaking of the cause,” I add meaningfully, “we’re hoping for significant donations tonight. The public school arts programs desperately need funding.”
“Say no more,” the man says, already pulling out his checkbook. “Put us down for fifty thousand.”
My eyes widen. “That’s incredibly generous. Thank you.”
As they move away to mingle with other guests, I turn to Arthur, unable to suppress a grin. “Fifty thousand right off the bat!
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Chapter 295
+25 BONUS
That’s a great start.”
“I told you it would be a success,” he says with a tight smile. Once gain, I don’t get a chance to ask if he’s alright before we’re dragged into another conversation.
The next hour passes in a blur of handshakes, small talk, and donation commitments. Everyone seems impressed by the event, and several people comment on how surprised they are to see Veronica and me working together.
“I must say, I was expecting fireworks tonight, not cooperation,” chuckles a banking magnate whose name I admittedly can’t remember. “The papers made it sound like you two were ready to law each other’s eyes out.”
I force a laugh. “The tabloids love drama, don’t they? But Veronica and I are family. We’re focused on what’s important- helping Ordan’s children. Hopefully, after tonight, they’ll begin to realize that.”
