Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 542

Adrian knelt down, frantically wiping Daph's tears away. "It's not that we can't ever see each other again," he soothed. "I'll just come see you secretly, when your uncle doesn't know."

Daph turned to Luke. "Uncle, you can't be like this! You have to be more open-minded!"

Luke crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "You're too young to understand how manipulative people can be."

"But Mr. Shaw is handsome and nice," Daph countered. "How can he be a bad person?"

"Don't you know," Luke said, "the most beautiful plants are often the most poisonous."

"Mommy is the most beautiful person in the world!" Daph declared, clearly unconvinced.

Adrian, still kneeling beside her, whispered, "He's just jealous! Your uncle is possessive! He wants you and your mommy all to himself!"

Daph sighed. "Mr. Shaw, it's true my uncle doesn't have many friends. I'll have a good talk with him." She put her hands on her hips and faced Luke. "It's totally normal for a girl to have lots of boyfriends!"

Adrian choked back a laugh, burying his face to hide his amusement.

"Daph, where did you learn that?" Selene asked, leaning against the dining table with a curious smile.

Luke's glare could have drilled a hole through Adrian. "He probably taught her that."

"No, he didn't!" Daph retorted. "All the kids at school say it." She walked over to Luke and held out her hand. "Uncle, give me your hand."

Confused, Luke extended his hand. Daph took it, then took Adrian's hand and placed it on top of Luke's.

A little while later, a phone call pulled Luke away. Before leaving, he shot one last murderous look at Adrian, clearly wishing he could knock him out and drag him along. But with Daph there, his hands were tied.

After Luke left, Daph took a bath, and Adrian read her a bedtime story.

The door to her room creaked open. In the dim light, Adrian sat by her bed, one hand propping up his chin, watching her sleep. He turned his head and saw Selene standing in the doorway.

He quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. "You had your hands full today," Selene said softly. "Thanks for spending so much time with her."

Adrian shook his head. "It's no effort at all. Being with Daph is therapeutic." He then asked, "When you're busy with work, would you like me to read her bedtime stories?"

Selene gave him a look. "Getting addicted to being a nanny?"