Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 495

Annalise Johnston took a steadying breath. “Selene and I are on equal footing at QuanTech Innovations,” she said.

“At first, I was just as curious as everyone else. Your ex-wife was clearly unqualified—no one could figure out what strings she pulled to land the CEO seat. But later, I heard whispers. Apparently, Ms. Lockridge and your former father-in-law have… a bit of history.”

She ordered an iced Americano from the waiter, glancing out the window as a sly smile played across her lips. “Word is, your ex-father-in-law and Ms. Lockridge are very close—maybe even close enough for him to ask her for a favor, to secure his daughter a cushy position.”

“When I was living in Morgania, I’d always heard how much Aldonia ran on personal connections. Still, I never realized just how much influence those connections could wield.”

Harrison didn’t comment, but deep down, he couldn’t disagree. Selene landing the top job at QuanTech Innovations had always seemed a little too convenient. If nothing else, Annalise’s words made it clear: she didn’t respect Selene one bit.

That realization made Harrison’s lips curl into a faint smirk. He rather enjoyed the idea of Selene facing some trouble for once. He’d been waiting for the day she’d have nowhere else to turn but him.

“Mr. Vaughn,” Annalise said suddenly, her tone direct, “would you consider marrying me?”

Harrison’s brows shot up, his voice icy and firm. “I think you’ve misunderstood me. I asked you here because you’re working at the same company as my ex-wife, nothing more.”

“My ex-wife has a talent for causing chaos, and not much workplace experience to speak of. Even though we’re divorced, as the father of her child, I have to keep an eye on her situation. I can’t have my son living in misery.”

The waiter set her iced coffee on the table. Annalise let out a surprised, amused laugh. “So you’re not here for a matchmaking date? You’re sure?”

A flicker of distaste crossed Harrison’s eyes. “I’m not interested in getting married again. My last marriage was more than enough to sour me on the whole concept.”

Annalise studied his face, enunciating each word. “But I want to marry you.”

Leo’s intentions were a mystery to Harrison, and certainly not something he could influence.

Annalise looked away, lost in memory. “I’ve asked Leo more than once to marry me. I thought if I became Altair’s mother, I could look after him, help raise him right. But Leo always turned me down. Back then, I didn’t understand why he refused.”

She paused, her expression thoughtful. “But after meeting your ex-wife, I think I get it. He didn’t want me to end up like her.”

Leaning in, Annalise fixed Harrison with a steady, earnest gaze. “Mr. Vaughn, you could consider working with me. With my experience and education, I could help shape your son into a worthy heir. All I ask is for you to help me bring Altair into my care as well.”

Harrison’s reply was ice-cold, almost callous. “Altair’s future isn’t mine to decide. And let me repeat myself: I have no intention of remarrying.”

Annalise arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “Then tell me, do you plan on getting back together with your ex-wife?”