Chapter 278
Arthur nods slowly, brow furrowed as he considers. Suddenly, I recall my visit with Veronica.
“Oh, and Veronica knows,” 1 add. “I told her when I was getting her advice on my presentation a couple weeks ago,”
Arthur’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Veronica? Why would you ell her?”
1 shrug. “She noticed that I had paperwork from Wellington in my hand. She just said it’s a very prestigious School, and that was the end of the conversation.”
Arthur seems to consider this for a moment before shrugging. “Well, I doubt Veronica said anything to anyone. I’m going to blame the paparazzi for this. They always find ways to get information they shouldn’t have.”
“We’ll be more careful going forward,” I say with a nod.
The rest of the setup passes quickly. Before I know it, the park gates are open, and families begin streaming in. The turnout is even better than I hoped–hundreds of children with their parents, all eager to participate in the activities we’ve arranged
I spot the bus from the orphanage arriving and hurry over to greet the children. Giulia throws her arms around me, kissing me on each cheek. “Iris, darling, you’re practically glowing,” she breathes, pulling back to look at me. “I still can’t believe it… You’re a werewolf…”
I smile, even though the reminder makes my heart pound. Frankly, with no wolf, I forget it myself. “Thank you for coming, Giulia. I hope the children have a fun day.”
Giulia bears. “This is a good thing you’re doing. The kids are very excited.‘
“As they should be.” I pull out a stack of papers and hand them to her. The papers contain small maps of the event grounds with spots for stickers. “Make sure all of the kids get one of these. Each station will have an attendant that will add a sticker to each space. Once the kids have filled their map, they can come to the prize tent for a goodie bag.”
Giulia grins, and as she and the kids make their way into the park, I return to the central area where Arthur is chatting with some of the donors who contributed to the event. He looks handsome in his casual attire–jeans and a button–down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Less like the Alpha President and more like just another dad enjoying a family day out.
Miles is here, too. I spot Emi, Hunter, and Alice leading him around the festival from afar, he’s got his face painted like a clown fish, and he waves at us excitedly. I offer him a little wiggle of my fingers and stick my tongue out, making him giggle.
The day progresses smoothly, with the activity stations bustling and the donation boxes filling nicely. I’m in the middle of helping a little girl string beads at the craft tent when one of the volunteers approaches me.
“Miss Willford? The blindfold game is starting in five minutes. Do you want to participate?”
ve to find their “Oh, right!” I’d almost forgotten about this activity–a game where children are blindfolded an parents using only their sense of smell. Even though many of the kids participating aren’t werewolves, I thought it would be a fun game to incorporate.
I quickly finish helping the little girl with her bracelet before making my way to the game area, where Arthur is already waiting with Miles.
Chapter 278
+25 BONUS
The volunteer in charge explains the rules: the children will be blindfolded and spun around three times, while the parents arrange themselves in a circle. Then the kids will try to identify their parents by scent alone.
Miles stands still as the volunteer secures the blindfold over his eyes, then giggles as he’s gently spun around. Arthur and I move to our spots in the circle, standing side by side with the other parents.
“He’ll find us right away,” Arthur whispers to me, “His nose is already better than most.”
I nod, watching as Miles steadies himself after the spinning stops. He takes a few tentative steps forward, his nose twitching adorably as he sniffs the air. Several other blindfolded children are doing the same, some heading directly for their parents while others wander almlessly.
Miles, however, seems to have caught a scent. He inoves with surprising confidence, heading straight toward us. Arthur and I exchange a smile.
But he doesn’t come to us,
Instead, Miles walks right past where we’re standing without even hesitating. My smile falters as he brushes right between our legs, heading out of the circle. Arthur and I turn, our gazes following our son.
To my surprise, he reaches his arms out toward someone else. My heart drops as I recognize the woman who is smiling and scooping him up.
Veronica.
