Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 117

Selene sat upright, her tone unfailingly respectful. “Next month, I’ll be moving with Daph. I’ve already found a great place in a top school district for her. The results for the ALI Math Competition finals are coming out next week–I’m confident I’ll place in the top three. As for work…”

She looked up, her lashes fluttering like the fragile wings of a butterfly.

“I…” Selene met Leo’s gaze, hesitated, then gathered her courage to ask the man before her, “Is there a place for me at the Draco Research Institute?”

Her words dropped into the silence like a pebble into a still lake, sending ripples through the air.

Leo’s cool, clear eyes lingered on Selene’s open, earnest face.

She knew, at least in broad strokes, what Leo did.

He’d been entrusted with enormous responsibility. The Draco Research Institute, the center he headed, was one of Aldonia’s ten premier research facilities. Its location was so confidential, it didn’t even appear on any map.

Steeling herself, Selene pressed on, pitching her case. “The country’s latest five–year plan prioritizes advanced artificial intelligence research. Mr. Vaughn, you’re leading the charge. I-”

“Selene.” Leo spoke her name, and the sound of it made her instinctively sit straighter, her back rigid, respect written in every line of her posture.

“What makes you think you’re qualified to join the Draco Research Institute?”

His voice was deep, steady–a calm well with hidden depths. Hearing him, Selene caught a fleeting glimpse of Harrison’s signature coolness in Leo’s expression.

It must run in the family.

Still, she refused to back down. “You handpicked me.”

Thirteen years ago, Leo had discovered Selene in a small town with little access to quality education. A single letter of recommendation from him had been her ticket into the accelerated program at Aldonia University of Science & Technology.

Now, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination, Selene saw Leo take a slow breath before turning away. “Win the gold medal first. Then we’ll talk.”

A spark bloomed in her eyes, her lips lifting in a smile as bright and flickering as a

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Chapter 117

candle flame. “So you’ve been following my progress in the ALI Math Competition, Mr. Vaughn?”

He kept his answer curt and impersonal: “Just happened to notice.*

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