Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 255

She pressed the answer button and held the phone to her ear.

“Ms. Yates, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’ve just received notice from my superiors. They’ve decided to postpone awarding you the Triumphia Honors for now.”

Gemma’s heart skipped a beat. She blurted out, “Was I reported by someone?!”

Could it be that Selene really had something damaging on her?

Her mind raced. Selene had spent seven years quietly embedded in the Vaughn family—had she been secretly working as a spy all this time?

“Ms. Yates, your son’s been taken in by the police, and the internet is in an uproar, calling you a wicked stepmother. Given the public backlash, the Women’s Council has to distance itself from you.”

“Mr. Cooper—”

Before Gemma could finish, the line went dead.

She tried to call back, but another incoming call flashed on her screen.

It was someone from the Red Cross Foundation. A sense of dread settled in Gemma’s stomach.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Yates, apologies, but in light of the recent online commentary, we’ll have to remove your name from the honorary chairpersons’ list.”

Her heart pounded wildly.

“How can you—” Before she could finish, yet another call came through.

Gemma answered again, only to learn her position at another charitable organization had just been revoked.

Frustrated and bewildered, she turned to her assistant. “What have I done wrong?!”

*

That night, Felicity’s popular video account was shut down by the platform, but the heated debate about her riding a motorcycle with a five-year-old child showed no signs of slowing down.

At home, Selene received a call from Leo Vaughn.

“Altair asked me to check in on you for him,” Leo said, his voice as crisp and clear as snowmelt running down a mountain peak.

He sounded distant, almost reluctant.

*

Two days later, at the Vaughn estate:

Patriarch Vaughn and Liam Vaughn sat together in a sunlit study. Liam poured his father a cup of tea and spoke with deference.

“Harrison’s situation has been resolved. He’s a prominent young entrepreneur in the capital, and the authorities are inclined to protect him. The economy’s not doing great, and they’re hoping Vaughn Enterprises can set a positive example.”

Patriarch Vaughn sighed. “Harrison is still far too sentimental.”

Liam pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

Patriarch Vaughn lifted his gaze, eyes sharp beneath bushy gray brows. “Arrange some introductions for Harrison as soon as possible. After what happened with Damien, you should understand more than anyone the importance of Harrison having more children.”

Liam nodded. “I’ll discuss it with Pearl and make sure we find suitable matches for him.”

Patriarch Vaughn took a sip of his tea and continued, “Send Altair to take Damien’s private tutoring slots. Let Mr. Lin know to bring Altair to the main house.”

Liam’s expression faltered at the mention of Altair.