Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 458

The mayor’s eyes widened in surprise and delight at Selene’s words. “So it’s Ms. Thompson who’s been spearheading QuanTech Innovations’ digital initiative! No wonder the project’s moving so fast.”

He turned to his secretary. “Clear my schedule for the next two hours. I want to go tour QuanTech Innovations with Ms. Thompson.”

Selene leaned toward Leo and spoke softly, “Will you come with me, too, Professor?”

The man let out a quiet chuckle. “You do love putting people to work, don’t you?”

Selene grinned, volunteering, “I can push your wheelchair if you like!”

She helped Leo into the company car, settling him comfortably before he asked, “Do you really need me as your good luck charm at QuanTech Innovations, too?”

Her voice turned earnest and gentle, brushing against his ear. “I do need you, Professor. I need your guidance. And I want you to see me—really see me.”

She took the seat beside him as the car door slid shut. Leo stiffened, his right index finger curling slightly on the armrest, a rare sign of nerves.

Something between them had shifted, moving into new, unspoken territory.

Years ago, Selene had depended on him, but she’d hidden it behind a mask of formality. Now, she wore her need openly, almost defiantly, wanting to conquer new heights under his watchful gaze.

*

When the city car pulled up to QuanTech Innovations’ gleaming headquarters, the security team immediately notified staff inside.

Researchers and engineers exchanged worried glances.

“City Hall’s here—out of the blue. What should we do? Who’s supposed to greet them?”

“Should we call Ms. Lockridge?”

No one seemed to know the protocol, and uncertainty rippled through the corridors.

“I’ll handle it,” announced a striking young woman in a crisp white suit, her short hair framing her determined face.

“Miss Johnston, you just got back from London,” someone cautioned. “You might not have much experience dealing with City Hall.”

The woman—Annalise Johnston, a high-profile consultant poached from Wall Street by Gwyneth—smiled with quiet confidence. “Experience comes from doing. Trust me, I won’t let you down.”

As they walked, Annalise spoke with practiced ease, outlining the company’s achievements and plans. The officials listened closely, their curiosity growing with every step.

Selene spotted Quentin James among the staff—a familiar face. Next to him was a flashy young man with sleeked-back hair, Simon Waverly, heir to Waverly Properties and a regular in Harrison’s social circle. She was surprised to see he’d joined QuanTech Innovations.

“I told you, with Annalise Johnston here, there’s nothing to worry about,” Simon whispered to Quentin, watching Annalise work the room with effortless charm.

Quentin nodded in agreement, though his gaze frequently drifted to Selene.

Simon noticed, too. He let out a quiet scoff. “What’s she doing here?”

“Hm?” Quentin looked puzzled.

“I mean Selene,” Simon said bluntly. “Is she working as Leo’s nurse now?”

He sneered, “Without Harrison, she’s got nowhere else to go except trailing after Professor Vaughn.”

Quentin hesitated, wanting to defend her. But thinking of Leo’s reputation, he just said, “Honestly, being Professor Vaughn’s assistant isn’t exactly an easy job.”