#Chapter 147: Hypocrisy

Iris “Nervous” doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel as I stand in the conference room in front of Arthur’s staff three days later. My presentation—which has been painstakingly revised after my visit with Veronica—is ready to go, my laptop connected to the projector. Around the oval table sits Arthur’s multiple advisors and his extensive PR team, all waiting quietly while I fumble with my laptop. At least Arthur is here to support me. Every time I glance at him and see him smiling at me, I feel a little better. “Thank you all for taking the time to meet with me today,” I begin, clicking to my first slide. “As you know, arts education in our public schools has been severely underfunded for years. I’d like to propose a fundraising initiative to help address this issue.” I move through my slides smoothly, explaining my vision for a children’s day event that would raise money while also giving kids a chance to experience art firsthand. As I talk, I notice