Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 505

The anger in Harrison’s chilly eyes vanished almost instantly, replaced by a cold, mocking laugh. He turned to Gwyneth and asked, “If Selene fails to implement the autonomous driving technology within three months, will you still keep her around?”

Gwyneth replied calmly, “She signed a high-stakes contract with me. If she can’t lead QuanTech Innovations to success, Selene could very well be facing prison time.”

As Gwyneth spoke, she glanced at Selene—a silent reminder that at a moment like this, there was no room for mistakes.

She gave Adrian a quick look, then lowered her voice to Selene. “When that day comes, no one will be able to save you.”

A sneer escaped Harrison’s throat. “I’m looking forward to seeing that day arrive.”

He turned to leave, but paused when he realized Dames was still standing there, his gaze fixed intently on Selene.

“Dames,” Harrison said, frowning.

Selene’s eyes settled on the boy as well. Dames had only been at Serenity Church with Harrison for a month, and he’d already grown taller, though he seemed thinner than before.

A stitched scar ran along Dames’s scalp, so his hair didn’t grow properly. In the end, he’d just shaved his head and wore a cap whenever he went out.

With his cap on, the little boy looked cool—almost dashing. Selene’s gaze drifted down to Dames’s legs, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

Officially, she was no longer his mother, but seeing her child, she couldn’t help but wonder—did his leg still hurt? Was he keeping up with physical therapy?

Even when she didn’t ask, Daph would tell her after school that Dames had come to class, but after just a few extra steps, he’d complain his leg ached.

Other kids would whisper behind his back about the boy who always wore a cap, and sometimes when Dames limped, they’d mock him.

“I dragged those kids who made fun of Dames into a corner and warned them,” Daph had said, her face flushed with anger. “If they ever imitate his limp again, I’ll make sure they’re the ones hobbling for good!”

Selene smiled gently. “I’m okay. When you choose a path no one has ever walked before, it’s bound to be rough. Climbing uphill is always hard.”

“But I won’t give in.”

Dames’s lips parted, but Selene spoke first.

“I’ve compromised more times than I can count in my life, but from now on, the word ‘compromise’ isn’t in my vocabulary.”

She looked him straight in the eye. “I won’t ask anyone for help, and I certainly won’t bow my head to your father.”

Harrison listened to Selene, feeling as if the air had grown thin around him.

He spoke up, his voice cold. “I’m deeply disappointed in QuanTech Innovations’ performance on this trial. As CEO of Vaughn Enterprises, I’m cancelling our partnership effective immediately.”