Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 258

As Adrian spoke, his hands clenched inward, a flutter passing through his chest. Heat spilled from his ribcage, spreading through his body.

Was he being too forward?

Would Selene think he’d lost his mind?

He lowered his head, bracing himself, waiting patiently for Selene’s verdict. He was putting himself entirely at her mercy.

“If we were dating—if we pretended to be a couple—maybe we could actually lure Victor in,” he said.

Selene’s eyes were serious as she replied, “Once I’ve taken over Thompson Victory Technologies, our partnership ends. We’ll announce our breakup to everyone, and you, Mr. Shaw, will no longer be my boyfriend.”

Adrian’s throat burned as he gazed into her clear, unwavering eyes. “Then let me be your boyfriend—just for one month!”

Selene reached out her hand to him. “The kind of love you’re talking about—giving without expecting anything in return—I’ve never experienced that before. But I’m willing to try. I want to feel it, to accept your affection openly. I deserve to be loved by you.”

Her lips curved into a gentle smile as she waited for Adrian to shake her hand.

He reached out, his fingers brushing hers, and the touch sent a jolt through him. He quickly pulled his hand back, almost toppling over the coffee table in his excitement. His ears burned crimson, and heat rushed to his face. Gathering his nerve, he reached out again to touch her fingertips, grinning like a boy who’d just been handed the world.

He withdrew his hand, staring at the fingers that had touched hers, suddenly unsure what to do with them.

“Looking forward to working with you, girlfriend,” he said with a playful wink.

Across the room, Luke Holloway arched a brow, barely restraining a curse.

Sitting beside Selene, Carmel took Selene’s hand in her own, rubbing it gently. “I’ve never seen anyone so selfless,” she whispered. “Mr. Shaw leaves me completely baffled.”

Adrian jerked his chin toward Carmel, gesturing for her to let go of Selene’s arm.

“Come on, kid, scoot. Selene and her boyfriend have business to take care of.”

Carmel blinked, confused. “Kid? Since when am I a kid?”

Luke Holloway, who’d once been called “kid” by Adrian, looked up in surprise. “Wait—why are you calling Carmel ‘kid’ now?”

Adrian raised his hand, proudly displaying the fingers that had just touched Selene’s. “See this? I’m official now!”

He turned to Luke with a smirk. “Which means you’ve been promoted—a rank up, my friend. Congratulations. You’re now the sidekick.”