Unholy Player

"Dalin Ravencourt. No wonder a rare beauty and talent like you would be here," Adyr said, completely ignoring Cole. He gave a slight bow, placing his right hand over his chest in a gesture that mirrored a proper gentleman’s greeting.

Dalin looked every bit the arrogant young noble—fiery red hair, matching eyes, and sharp features that made her seem fierce yet oddly charming. She had the kind of presence that made her superiority feel natural, almost earned. Just one look, and it was easy to believe she belonged above others.

Her expression softened slightly at Adyr’s greeting. She turned to Cole and said, "Is this the guy you were talking about? He doesn’t seem that bad."

Cole’s eye twitched at her words. Trying to steady his voice, he forced a smile. "Don’t let the sweet talk fool you. He’s a nobody—always flirting with every girl he sees, trying to climb his way up by playing the victim."

Then, smirking, he gestured at Adyr’s clothes. "Just look at him. Still wearing that university uniform everywhere. What kind of loser does that?"

With those words, the distant look returned to Dalin’s face. Elegance was what she valued most, and aside from Adyr’s posture and words, nothing about him seemed elegant.

"Hmph. I almost let Selina’s lapdog fool me," Dalin said with disdain. "Someone like you doesn’t belong here." Her voice turned sharp.

Cole, sensing the shift, grinned with satisfaction.

Adyr, unfazed, gave a casual shrug and laughed. "You’re right. Then this dog will take his leave. See you around." He turned and began walking toward the elevator.

"You what?" Dalin blinked, momentarily thrown off. She couldn’t tell if he had just insulted himself or was playing with them.

But Cole wasn’t going to let him walk away that easily. He grabbed Adyr’s shoulder and yanked him to a stop. "You little shit, you’re not going anywhere until we say so."