Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 487

Annalise Johnston’s face flushed, then went pale at Adrian’s words. Back in Morgania, she’d always been the center of attention, and even after returning home, everything had gone her way. But Adrian’s single remark hit her like a slap in the face—sudden, stinging, and humiliating.

Selene looked at her calmly. “Miss Johnston, I understand you want to build a better relationship with Altair, but some things can’t be rushed.”

“Do I need you to teach me?” Annalise shot back, her voice sharp and commanding. All the frustration she’d been holding in toward Selene finally boiled over. “Do you even know anything about Altair’s background? Do you have any idea what he’s been through? You know nothing, so don’t pretend you understand him!”

Her voice rose, drawing the attention of diners nearby.

The tables at The Ember Grill were packed close together, and now people on all sides were glancing over at Annalise.

“Annalise Johnston,” Quentin called as he walked up. “I swapped seats with a colleague up front. Come on, let’s go eat.”

Annalise tore her gaze away and asked, “Where’s our table?”

Quentin pointed to a spot not far off. “Over there.”

Switching to a much gentler tone, Annalise turned to Altair. “Altair, come on, let’s eat at the other table. You love barbecue—I’ll grill some for you.”

Altair was sitting by the wall, shrinking away, clearly reluctant even to look at her.

Thanks to Annalise’s outburst, everyone’s attention had shifted to their group. The scrutiny made Altair’s skin crawl—he could feel every pair of eyes on him, watching his every move. His hand, gripping his fork, trembled.

“Altair, let’s go!” Annalise called again, growing impatient when he didn’t move.

There was a murmur among the diners. “What’s going on at that table?”

“Is that her kid?”

“That boy looks… a little strange.”

Suddenly, Altair’s fork slipped from his shaking hand, clattering onto the table before tumbling onto his lap. Grease stained his pants, leaving a dark, obvious mark.

Daph’s patience snapped. She raised her voice. “I’m counting to three—three…”

Annalise shot her an exasperated glare. “What is wrong with you? Didn’t your parents teach you any manners?”

Daph’s fingers tightened. In the next instant, Annalise yelped in pain.

“Let go! Let go!” Annalise gasped, her brow furrowing as cold sweat broke out across her forehead.

Daph glared, her tone icy. “Don’t you see you’re hurting him? Let go!”

“My hand—let go!” Annalise’s eyes flashed with anger. She thought Selene’s kid was completely out of line.

“You’re the one who needs to back off!” Annalise snapped, swinging her hand toward Daph’s face.

“Annalise Johnston!” Selene’s voice cut through the chaos, low and commanding as she shot to her feet.