I'm the Bad Guy

SEAN LEE

The elevator doors slid shut behind me, sealing away the sight of Annabeth's stunned face. I exhaled through my nose, rolling my shoulders back as the car descended. The game was in motion now, and I had to admit—watching her composure crack had been satisfying.

But not as satisfying as the thought of what came next.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I already knew who it was before I glanced at the screen.

Giselle.

I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear. "She took the bait."

A soft, pleased hum echoed on the other end. "Good. How did she react?"

I smirked, stepping out of the elevator into the lobby. The night air was thick with the scent of rain, the city lights bleeding into the dark sky. "Like a deer in headlights. Don't worry, she'll crumble, and come right back to me."

"She's always been good at pretending. Are you sure?"