The Unspoken Affection

Chapter 5 The Stunning Dress

Iris sensed something off in Charles' tone, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

But the news that Tessa and her tyrant husband were off on their honeymoon was indeed a relief. Without Randall around, she'd feel a lot less suffocated in this oppressive mansion.

"If someone's going to represent the Ortegas, it should be you, not me," Iris stated her case firmly as she stood up.

"Iris Evans needs to get back to school, attend classes, and make up the credits she needs to graduate. I don't have time for some charity auction."

Charles snorted.

The butler, Doyle, who had been silent all the time, stepped forward. "Ms. Evans, the charity auction tonight requires formal attire. You'll need to start selecting a gown, getting your hair and makeup done, and learning the necessary etiquette. I'm afraid a few hours might not be enough."

The brief truce shattered quickly. Iris downed the last of her milk and nodded curtly at the butler. "Thank you."

Charles didn't try to stop her, but Iris turned back to face him.

"Hey Charles, if you're going to demand my entire day, at least give me three days' notice so I can tell you ahead of time—I'm not going."

Perfect. She only needed to refuse smoothly and then grab her phone and call for a ride. A smart Ivy League student wouldn't sit around waiting for trouble.

However, Iris discovered she couldn't even get her location on her phone.

Damn, was this estate also blocking signals?

Charles clearly noticed her predicament. Surprisingly, he didn't mock her, which Iris found hard to believe.

"Doyle, take her back to school. I'll pick her up in the afternoon."

Charles wiped his mouth and walked up behind Iris, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "You're smart enough to realize that if you don't go, it'll cause a lot of trouble for someone."

Damn, he was right... She couldn't disregard her mother's situation.

"Just make sure you're on time!" Iris spat out in a huff of frustration before leaving in the car arranged by the butler.

*****

The school was a different world, one Iris was more familiar with.

Everything was the same. Her classmates, always whispering about her looks, her clothes, her foster homes, and her reclusive nature, still found her endlessly fascinating.

"That's a new Fendi dress, Iris. It's not even on the market until next week," Naomi, sitting in the back, eyed Iris' outfit and raised her voice maliciously. "You bought the knockoff too early. Is it because of that hottie from last night? You never used to be so vain."

Iris found it amusing. The Ortegas wouldn't allow any counterfeit dresses in their mansion. Clearly, the clothes Doyle had prepared for her were top-notch.

"Really? What are you trying to say? That you know me? Or that you know Fendi?" Iris replied calmly.

"Who cares about you!" Naomi snapped. "Who was that hottie last night? What does he want with you?"

"Don't bother hitting on him," Iris advised her kindly. "Billionaire's sons are not worth the trouble."

"Billionaire?" Naomi's voice rose. "Are you dreaming? Someone like that in your life? That's absurd!"

Iris shrugged and ignored her.

After class, Iris hurried out of the building with her books.

"Iris!" Naomi's frustrated voice rang out behind her. "You always walk so fast. Stop, you bit—"

The sudden excitement and screams from the school gate cut off Naomi's insult.

Iris felt a sinking feeling in her gut.

Peeking over the crowd, she saw the high-profile Charles, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, leaning against his flashy limo.

Honestly, if not for the hint of impatience on his face, Iris could understand why Naomi was so curious about him. After all, he was undeniably handsome.

Oh God, she really didn't want to be seen getting into his car for the second time in front of everyone.

But clearly, the only way to end the awkwardness was to get in as soon as possible.

"Oh, God..." Naomi's murmur came from behind. "You really hit the jackpot, you orphan nobody..."

That cutting remark didn't bother Iris, but it hit a nerve with Charles. Was this what she had dealt with her whole life?

Iris frowned and was about to retort when Charles stepped forward, extending his left hand like he was inviting a princess, and said loudly enough for everyone to hear, "It's late. Let's go."

He had intended to call her "sister," but for some reason, the words wouldn't come out.

Amid the murmurs of her classmates and Naomi's flushed face, Iris suppressed her nervousness and strange excitement as she climbed into the limo.

The magic of Cinderella always has a time limit. As soon as the car door closed, Iris and Charles let go of each other's hands, retreating to opposite ends of the car as if avoiding something dirty.

"Don't get the wrong idea. Your status means you can't be casually humiliated anymore," Charles said coolly.

"Wrong idea?" Iris shot back. "Wrong idea that you actually see me as your sister?"

Charles froze. Before knowing she was his sister, he couldn't deny that a certain thought had crossed his mind at some point. But after learning the truth, it wasn't his choice anymore. It was an uncomfortable fact.

Iris watched his shifting expression and shrugged in confusion. "So, do I just go to this manor as I am?"

"Of course not." Charles reached into the back seat and handed her a large box. "Open it."

Iris took the box.

For her stepfather's reputation and her mother's future, she had to go to this event, no matter what. So, she had to pull herself together.

Trying to adjust her mindset, she casually opened the box.

Wow!

At this moment, no adjustment was necessary.

This dress was worth anything Charles could ask of her at the auction tonight!