Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 265

Pale sunlight spilled over Harrison, bathing him in a cold, colorless wash. His mind buzzed, as if a swarm of flies was trapped inside, crashing and ricocheting off his skull.

*

At noon, Selene and Adrian went out for lunch together; Adrian had chosen a cozy bistro not far from downtown.

While Adrian was studying the menu, Selene glanced up idly—just in time to spot Harrison sitting a short distance away, accompanied by a young woman.

Of all the luck. She must have skipped her horoscope this morning. Harrison didn’t even have to do anything; just seeing him there was enough to make her stomach twist.

“Selene, take a look—anything catch your eye?” Adrian’s voice broke through her thoughts, warm and clear.

Selene quickly dragged her gaze away from Harrison, a little too fast.

Adrian arched a brow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “My girlfriend’s already distracted by someone else? That was quick.”

Selene wanted to grab her napkin and shield her face, mortified. “I just saw Harrison Vaughn,” she muttered, cheeks puffed out, and stuck her tongue out at Adrian.

Adrian’s smile widened. In that moment, she came alive in front of him—adorably flustered, and it was downright endearing.

“If my choice of restaurant is making you uncomfortable, want to swap seats?” he offered, half-rising from his chair.

Thanks to the decorative panel beside Adrian, Harrison couldn’t see him from where he sat.

Selene shook her head. “Too late. He’s already seen me.”

In truth, the moment Harrison sat down, his eyes had landed on Selene by the window. For a second, he almost didn’t recognize her—the sharp lines of her tailored suit, the effortless confidence. Was this the same woman who used to spend her days chasing after their daughter?

As soon as their eyes met, Selene turned deliberately away, presenting only her profile.

Across the room, Harrison abruptly stood up, startling the woman seated with him. His presence seemed to chill the air, making her eyes widen in alarm.

“Harrison, what’s wrong?” she asked, her bright red lips parted in shock.

But Harrison didn’t hear a word; his mind was spinning with a single question:

Who was Selene having lunch with?

She was smiling, laughing, leaning in across the table, as if… as if she really was on a date.

Was she doing this just to get under his skin?

In that instant, Adrian stepped out from behind the panel, coming fully into view. Harrison’s eyes narrowed, his whole body tense.