Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 256

A few days later—

Selene sat with Luke Holloway and Carmel Howard in the penthouse office atop Ascendant Plaza.

This was the heart of Capital City’s newest business district. From the sixty-sixth floor, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the distant shipping docks and ocean inlet, where massive cargo ships glided slowly across the horizon.

Luke’s suit jacket had been carelessly tossed over the back of a lounge chair. He wore only a tailored shirt, the collar undone, his bronze skin and sharp collarbones visible beneath. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms, muscles taut and defined, every line exuding power. He sat comfortably, legs slightly apart, his posture open and relaxed.

“My company, Zentek Innovations, is already in the running to acquire Thompson Victory Technologies,” Luke said. “But even if Zentek offers Victor a higher bid than OmniCore Technologies, there’s no guarantee he’ll choose us. Getting Victor to walk away from OmniCore and sell Thompson to one of your chosen companies—especially on short notice—that’s a tough ask.”

Selene was leafing through a folder of documents as she sat on the three-seater couch. “I need someone Victor can truly trust—an executive he’ll believe can make Thompson Victory thrive under new ownership. Someone who convinces him he’ll profit, not just from the sale, but from the future.”

She had already dug deep into Victor’s social circle. Even if she could find someone who fit the bill, she couldn’t be sure they were trustworthy. As for Luke and Carmel, their own public companies had clout, but neither they nor any of their people inspired enough confidence to make Victor drop his guard.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. An assistant stepped in and announced, “Mr. Holloway, Mr. Shaw is here.”

A man with an air of effortless grace entered, walking straight toward Selene. His presence seemed to light up the entire office.

“Mr. Shaw, are you here to see me?” Selene asked, surprised that Luke had also invited Adrian Shaw.

Adrian held out a folder. “This is one of my holding companies. I’m prepared to make a two-billion-dollar offer for Thompson Victory Technologies.”

Selene took the proposal, scanning the figures. “You’re offering twice what OmniCore’s put on the table. At that price, Victor’s bound to think there’s a catch.”

“Then let’s give him a reason to trust me.”

“And how do you propose to do that?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Shaw. I don’t want to rely on you for this. I want to see this deal through on my own.”

Adrian’s smile didn’t falter. “These days, everyone’s talking about independent women. But you know, I’ve never once heard anyone talk about independent men. Everything I have—my first house, my first car—it was handed to me by my father. I was born with every advantage, built my career with the Shaw family name and the help of powerful friends. Yet no one ever questions my independence.

Selene, don’t ever feel ashamed for accepting help from a man. More than eighty percent of power and wealth in this world is still held by men. If you want to go higher, live freer, be comfortable—then take every opportunity, every advantage a man can give you. Let the wind at your back lift you to new heights.”

Selene stared at him, momentarily speechless.

Adrian’s eyes were clear and bright, their warmth both gentle and unyielding. He seemed to understand the world’s rules intimately—yet all his insight was offered to her, with kindness and a hint of indulgence.

“Use me as your stepping stone, Selene,” he said quietly. “Climb as high as you can.”