Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 368

Selene swept her dark hair into a neat chignon at the nape of her neck, securing it with a crescent-moon-shaped enamel pin. She fastened the ornament in place with a slender hair stick, its midnight tassel blending seamlessly with her hair—almost invisible unless you looked closely.

She wore a tailored, pale gray blazer that hugged her waist, paired with loose, comfortable trousers. The heels of her black low-heeled shoes clicked with purposeful confidence on the floor as she walked.

At Thompson Victory Technologies, the employees were long accustomed to Selene’s crisp, professional presence.

“Ms. Thompson.”

Warm greetings followed her down the hall.

But for the other business figures invited today, it was their first time meeting the woman now at the helm of Thompson Victory Technologies.

Some lingered at a distance, openly sizing her up with critical eyes.

“Hard to believe, isn’t it? She dropped out of college to get married, and now she’s become a vice president? She spent seven years as the pampered wife in the Vaughn family. I can’t fathom what the shareholders were thinking,” one woman murmured.

Another chimed in, “Just goes to show—Thompson Victory must be running out of real talent. At this rate, it’s a miracle the company hasn’t tanked.”

“Victor insists on choosing one of his children as his successor. If you ask me, Felicity would be a far better pick! At least she grew up by Victor’s side, and she’s childhood friends with Harrison, the CEO over at Vaughn Enterprises.”

“Exactly! In business, it’s all about connections, not test scores. Felicity knows half the city, while Selene’s practically a stranger here. But then again, Felicity’s always been all heart, no brains—she actually aired her father’s dirty laundry in public for everyone to see.”

Someone lowered their voice, glancing around. “Word is, Felicity was set up. The whole scandal was pinned on her.”

“Seriously? Who’d have the guts to frame the Thompson family’s younger daughter?”

“Think about it—who benefited after the dust settled? Selene’s smart, no question. Pity she wastes her cunning on her own family. People like her always get what’s coming eventually.”

Unbeknownst to them, a uniformed man stood not far off, phone in hand, quietly noting down their names.

Adrian had left strict instructions: anyone on the guest list who showed open hostility toward Selene was to be recorded. Those names would be dealt with—one by one.

Standing before him, head bowed, she was acutely aware of his breath, suddenly heavier, brushing the top of her head.

“Shall I pin it on for you?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes.” His answer came quick, the tension in his tone betraying his own nerves.

Across the room, Harrison stood rooted to the spot, icy jealousy prickling under his skin.

He could only watch as Selene carefully fastened the brooch to Adrian’s lapel.

There was a time when he was the only one Selene would do something so intimate for.

In his mind, memories flickered—Selene smoothing his tie, pinning his cufflinks, her cheeks colored with that same shy flush.

And now, all he could do was watch as those moments slipped further away.