Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 496

After Harrison fell silent for a couple of seconds, Annalise Johnston gave him a knowing look. “Seems like you’ve started considering it, haven’t you?”

The man clicked his tongue in annoyance, a strange sense of irritation welling up inside him. “I’m not the type to rekindle old flames.”

Annalise nodded thoughtfully. “Honestly, I don’t think someone like Selene is worthy of you, Mr. Vaughn. It’s rare to find a woman who could truly match you.”

Harrison shot her a cold glance. Though they sat at the same table, Annalise could sense how he still managed to look down on her from above.

Yet she wasn’t offended by his aloof arrogance—in fact, she admired strength. Born with every advantage and destined for success, it was only natural for him to be a little proud.

She straightened, meeting his gaze earnestly. “Mr. Vaughn, I really do need your help. If ever you require anything, I hope you’ll think of me first. Someone like me would never embarrass you in public.”

Annalise spoke with a confidence that bordered on pride, offering herself without a hint of self-doubt.

But Harrison simply scoffed at her words. In his eyes, a woman’s value was not something she could declare herself—he had his own standards.

“At least you’re honest with me. That proves you’re smart. You want to use me to get closer to my uncle? I can give you that chance.”

Annalise’s eyes sparkled at his words.

He continued, “From now on, keep an eye on Selene at the company. If she does anything out of the ordinary, or meets with anyone unusual, report directly to me.”

A laugh slipped from Annalise’s throat. “So you want me to be your eyes and ears? Looks like you’re awfully concerned about your ex-wife, Mr. Vaughn.”

Harrison’s tone grew colder. “She climbed to the top too fast. If she falls, it’ll be a long way down. I don’t want her to become a laughingstock, and I certainly don’t want her mistakes to affect our child.”

Annalise nodded approvingly. “Of course, Mr. Vaughn, you have my word.”

She propped her chin on her hand, smiling slyly at him. “Are you sure you don’t want to consider me—even just as a pretend girlfriend? Who knows, it might make your ex-wife rethink her decisions.”

Harrison’s brow furrowed. He pressed his lips together and said nothing.

*

A few days later:

The day of QuanTech Innovations’ first public test of their autonomous vehicles arrived. Business leaders from all over had been invited, and even high-ranking officials from City Hall were in attendance.

Harrison led the upper management team from Vaughn Enterprises into the open-air testing grounds.

His mood darkened the instant he spotted Adrian seated among the guests—and, as luck would have it, he was assigned the seat right next to him.

“Well, look at you! Harrison, you’ve gotten a few shades darker—I almost didn’t recognize you!” Adrian greeted him with a bright, teasing grin.

Harrison had no interest in engaging, but Adrian’s eyes swept him from head to toe, making his skin crawl.

Selene’s reply came quickly.

“Your hair looks great,” she praised, then added, “Go with the charcoal gray suit today.”

Adrian sent another selfie, this time in the suit.

“Should I wear cufflinks?”

“Go ahead,” Selene replied, “It’ll be warm outside, but they’ll look nice.”

A few minutes later, Adrian sent a photo holding a pair of shirt garters. “Should I wear these?”

Selene answered, “If you want to.”

Adrian shot back, “If you want to see them, I’ll wear them.”

After sending that message, he leaned closer to Harrison. “I put them on, you know. Doesn’t matter if Selene wants to see them—I just want you to know I’ve got them strapped to my thighs.”

Harrison’s face turned stormy. He wasn’t sure if Adrian was being deliberately provocative or just clueless, but somehow Adrian managed to scroll through and show off several more of his and Selene’s messages.

Harrison’s irritation simmered, barely contained, as Adrian continued to gloat.