Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 480

Selene had noticed just how many subtle expressions Altair made.

He seemed more reserved than before. A five-year-old should be brimming with innocence, yet Altair looked at her with a mixture of joy and longing that felt far older than his years. Even as he gazed at Selene with wide, hopeful eyes, he clenched his small fists and forced himself to stay rooted where he was.

He wanted desperately to see her, but held himself back, keeping an invisible line drawn between them.

Selene crouched down and reached out her hand.

Altair stared at her, as if caught in a gentle, warm light that seemed to wrap him up.

“Go-karts!” Daph’s voice rang out—she was already drawn to the games in the lounge area.

“Mommy, can we ride the go-karts together?” she called, her voice filled with eager innocence.

Selene smiled and echoed the question to Altair, “Would you like to ride the go-karts with us?”

Altair’s dark eyes sparkled like stars. He pressed his rosy lips together, then nodded at her, shy but hopeful.

He reached out and slipped his small hand into Selene’s waiting palm.

Selene gently closed her fingers around his. “Come on,” she said, “I’ll take you over.”

As they walked together, Altair kept his head down, a sweet smile blooming on his face.

Selene and Adrian helped the two kids into their safety gear—padded suits and helmets.

The company’s go-karts were built for adults, so neither Daph nor Altair could drive one alone.

Selene and Adrian suited up as well, helmets in place.

Daph piped up cheerfully, “I’ll ride with Mr. Shaw, and Star can ride with Mommy!”

Of course, aside from Selene and Daph, Altair would never be comfortable with anyone else’s touch, and Adrian understood that perfectly.

Adrian hoisted Daph onto the seat beside him, while Selene settled Altair into her own kart. The two vehicles lined up side by side on the track.

Daph and Altair sat snug in Adrian’s and Selene’s laps, respectively.

“Wooohooo!” Daph squealed as the speed picked up, flinging her arms out wide to embrace the wind.

Up above, on the second-floor balcony, Annalise Johnston and Quentin leaned against the railing, watching the race unfold. The two karts were already completing their first lap.

Annalise’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “They’re really flying, even with kids on board.”

Quentin listened to the gleeful laughter echoing up from the track. The little girl’s voice sounded oddly familiar.

Simon approached, handing Annalise a fresh cup of coffee.

Quentin glanced at his watch as the karts rounded the track for a second lap. “Impressive. With kids on board, they’re already breaking the company’s speed record.”

Simon looked at Annalise, lips parted as if to say something, then thought better of it.

After all, it was Annalise Johnston herself who had set the company’s go-kart speed record.