“Dustin, get this straight, this is my turf, and I’m the boss here.”
Dustin extended a finger, brushed aside the nearby sword, and said calmly, “If I decide to spare you, you’ll stick around. If not, you’re out. Got it?”
“Seriously? You’re really turning me down?” Dahlia glared. “I’m the top student at Jade Girl Palace, the admired goddess! Do you have any idea how many guys try to impress me daily? Here’s your shot, do you even know who I am?”
With her status, she was always in demand.
She was used to flattery and attention, and no one dared to disobey her.
“Sorry, I’m not one of those who flatter you, and I’m not impressed by your spotlight. Don’t assume things.” Dustin said calmly.
“You–!”
Dahlia clenched her teeth, feeling frustrated.
With her looks, men usually fell at her feet. But this guy didn’t seem to care at all!
“Listen up! No one’s ever dared to reject my senior sister’s request. You better not piss her off!”
“Absolutely! We’re Jade Girl Palace disciples. If you cross us, you’re in for it!”
A group of girls from Jade Maiden Palace rallied in support.
They were used to special treatment. Men would bow down just by knowing their names.
“Ah, got it.”
Dahlia suddenly smirked. “Trying to play hard to get, huh?”
“Thinking you can catch my eye with these tactics?”
“Hmph! I’ve seen your type before—acting noble but really just after one thing.”
“But let me make something clear: you don’t impress me. You and I are worlds apart. Your games won’t work.”
“Let’s be real, a catch like me is out of your league.”
“Still, you did catch my attention earlier.”
“So, I’ll make an exception. You get one shot to win me over. Remember, it’s a privilege no one else has.” Dahlia finished, raising her head haughtily.
As if she were looking down, daring the crown to fall.
“…”
Dustin was lost for words.
He thought Dahlia was confident, but her ego was beyond belief.
He turned her down, yet she played it like he was chasing her.
“Think I’m fooled?”
Dahlia’s lips curled. “I knew it. Men like you are all the same—full of talk. But I’m too smart to be fooled.”
“Credit to my senior sister. She saw through your act in an instant!”
“Senior Sister’s brilliant, sharp as a tack!”
“Hmph! You can’t fool my elder sister with your schemes!”
The Jade Maid Palace girls looked at Dustin with a mix of scorn and praise.
They thought he was a gentleman, but turns out he was just good at hiding his true intentions.
“Hiss…”
Dustin took a breath, staying calm. “One last time, I’m not interested, and I don’t care who you are. Please, stop this.”
“Keep pretending, but I won’t buy it.”
Dahlia crossed her arms, a look of knowing in her eyes.
