Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 415

“Is this Ms. Vaughn? Hi, this is Derek, an agent from Seraphim International. I just watched your daughter’s performance on stage, and I was wondering—would you be interested in having her start a career as a child model?”

The man on the phone continued, “Honestly, I wanted to talk to you about this at school, but you…”

Moments earlier, Derek had watched helplessly as Clarissa, Quentin, and Penelope were whisked away by members of the Vaughn family. He’d had no choice but to ask around for Clarissa’s phone number.

Clarissa gripped her phone with both hands, suddenly sitting up straight.

“I know Seraphim International! Are you saying you want to sign my daughter?!”

In an instant, Clarissa’s heart soared.

She’d thought before about getting Penelope more exposure, letting her attract more attention, but she wasn’t good with technology and couldn’t bring herself to reach out to an agency on her own. As a member of the Vaughn family, if she took the initiative to approach an agency and tried to push Penelope into show business, the family elders would definitely lecture her about it.

But Clarissa knew exactly how much money there was to be made in the entertainment industry. If Penelope became famous, she herself—as the star’s mother—would bask in the limelight, too.

Clarissa was already picturing herself being interviewed as the “famous child star’s mother”—Penelope’s mother.

“…Absolutely! I’ll bring my daughter to the audition tomorrow!”

As soon as she hung up, Clarissa took out her compact from her purse and, pressing the powder puff against her face, began to touch up her makeup in the mirror.

Quentin asked, “What audition?”

Clarissa paused, powder puff midair, and looked at Quentin. “Seraphim International, the biggest child talent agency in the country. Haven’t you heard of them?”

Quentin shook his head. “Nope. Never heard of it.”

Clarissa took a deep breath. “One of their agents just called me. They want to sign Penelope.”

Quentin’s eyes lit up. “Penelope’s going to be a star? That means she’ll make loads of money!”

Clarissa’s lips curled into a smug smile. “I slipped Abbey quite a bit of cash to make sure Penelope got the lead dancer spot. That’s how she stole the show and got noticed by Seraphim International.”

She put away the compact and opened her arms to Penelope. “Come here, sweetheart.”

Penelope, still longing for her mother’s affection, got up and walked over. Clarissa lifted her onto her lap and began gently combing her hair with a small brush.

“Penelope, you have to make me proud! Selene and Dafina—they’re just trying to ruin you.”

“Mommy, at school…can I have a snack with Dafina?” Penelope’s big eyes were wide and uncertain.

Clarissa’s voice rose sharply. “If you eat snacks, you’ll get as fat as a pig!”

At her mother’s outburst, tears welled up in Penelope’s eyes.

She pressed her lips together, struggling not to cry. Clarissa grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

“What are you crying for? Stop that! Penelope, you’re going to be a star someday! When you’re famous and making loads of money, our family will finally be respected again. No one will ever look down on us!”

Frustrated, he raked a hand through his hair. Where had Daph and Selene gone? Had they already left?

He glanced at the bouquet of sunflowers in his arms. He’d bought them for Daph, to congratulate her on her first solo performance at the school festival. He’d stepped out of the auditorium to get the flowers, and when he returned, both Daph and Selene were gone.

“Master Altair, should I call Miss Thompson for you?” asked his bodyguard, who trailed a few steps behind, well aware of whom Altair was looking for.

Altair shook his head, motioning for the bodyguard to check further down the corridor.

If Selene and Daph were already gone, there was nothing left for him here—he’d just head home. That was his way; ever since losing his ability to speak, he hated bothering people. If he could do something by himself, he would. Asking for help just made him feel like a helpless cause.

His bodyguards fanned out, searching every corner of the auditorium for Daph.

Suddenly, a small boy limped out of a nearby room.

It was Dames, wearing a scowl. He stomped out, muttering under his breath, “Stupid Daph, I’m done with you!”

So Daph was here!

Altair stepped into the room, only to find it empty.

Out of nowhere, someone shoved him hard from behind. He stumbled forward, nearly losing his grip on the flowers. When he turned around, he saw Dames slamming the door shut behind him.

A flash of anger crossed Altair’s face. He went to push past Dames and open the door, but Dames snatched up a stick and swung it at Altair’s head.