Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 485

Selene clearly remembered Leo Vaughn assuring her that there was nothing between Altair and Annalise Johnston.

Yet here was Annalise insisting that her connection with Altair was anything but ordinary.

“You’re Altair’s...?” Selene began, unable to hide her confusion.

Annalise looked up, her eyes carrying a hint of warning. “Altair and I are related by blood.”

Selene faltered for a split second. “So you’re family?”

Annalise stood, her expression cold. “The specifics of my relationship with Altair aren’t something I can share with you.”

Then why mention the blood relation at all? Selene couldn’t help but think, and she caught Daph’s awkward expression mirroring her own thoughts.

Annalise turned to Altair, reaching out her hand. “Altair, would you like to come have lunch with me?”

Altair, peeking out from behind Selene, shook his head. His refusal was clear.

Annalise then addressed Selene directly. “Mr. Thompson, I’d like to take Altair out for a meal.”

“Altair’s already said no.”

Annalise drew a sharp breath. “Hold on—aren’t you taking your daughter and Altair out to eat? Could I come along?”

She lingered on the last word, her tone almost teasing. “Surely you’re not that unwelcoming, Mr. Thompson?”

Selene replied, “Look, we’re just planning to grab some barbecue. If you want to come to the restaurant too, I can’t exactly kick you out.”

Annalise looked surprised. “Barbecue? You’re taking Altair somewhere crowded—can he handle that? Mr. Thompson, since Altair’s so attached to you, why not spend a little extra and take him to a private room at a nice club? Order some chef’s specials. It’d be less overwhelming for him.”

Daph couldn’t hold back. “Altair’s come a long way! He can go to school with me now. Even if he’s not playing with the other kids yet, he can join in for activities and classes! Today is step two of his getting-out-there plan—having barbecue with us! He’s really confident he can handle it.”

She looked at Altair, her eyes shining with encouragement. He caught her gaze and managed a small, hopeful smile.

Annalise’s face stayed cold, but just then Quentin walked over. “Come on, Annalise. Let’s all go for barbecue together.”

“They checked in earlier,” the hostess replied.

Quentin came over and asked, “How long is the wait if we check in now?”

“It’s the lunch rush,” the hostess said. “The wait is over an hour.”

“That long?” Quentin turned to Annalise. “Why don’t we eat somewhere else?”

Annalise pressed, “The people who just went in—we’re friends. Can I sit with them?”

The hostess hesitated. “They reserved a table for four.”

Annalise craned her neck to peer inside. “Your four-tops are pretty spacious. We can squeeze in.”

The hostess gave a polite but helpless smile. “You’ll need to check with your friends first.”