Examining Irony in Mr. Thompson's Characterization

In the following passage, the author explores the life of a seemingly successful businessman, Mr. Thompson, who prides himself on his self-made wealth. However, as the narrative unfolds, the irony of his social interactions begins to surface. Analyze how the author uses irony to deepen the reader’s understanding of Mr. Thompson's character and the society he inhabits.

"Mr. Thompson strode confidently into the boardroom, his tailored suit gleaming under the fluorescent lights, a symbol of his ascendance in the world of finance. He relished the way his peers hung on his every word, convinced of his insight and acumen. Little did they know, behind the charismatic façade, he counted down the minutes to the end of each meeting, dreaming of a life where numbers on a screen had no power over him. What his colleagues hailed as a triumph, he inwardly labeled as a prison—a gilded cage masked in respect and admiration."