Chapter 286

Director Chen tapped her fingers lightly against the glass, creating tiny ripples in the juice. Her smile froze when she noticed Adrian Valdemar's untouched drink.

"What's wrong, Young Master Valdemar? Not good enough for your refined palate?"

Adrian lazily lifted his gaze, toying with the silverware between his slender fingers. "At least you're self-aware."

Director Chen's meticulously drawn eyebrows knitted together. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said." Adrian tugged carelessly at his collar, revealing the hint of a tattoo on his collarbone.

Director Chen slammed her hands on the table. "Adrian Valdemar, don't push your luck!"

Adrian suddenly laughed, though his eyes remained icy. "My luck is far too valuable for the likes of you."

His mood had already been foul before this ill-timed meeting. This clueless director had chosen the worst possible moment to provoke him. Forcing him to drink strong liquor upon arrival? Did she really think he was some pushover?

Director Chen abandoned all pretense, slamming her glass down. "Do you really think you're walking out of here unscathed?"

Adrian scoffed, sinking deeper into the leather sofa. "Who said anything about leaving?"

This was Valdemar territory. He was curious to see what tricks this woman had up her sleeve.

Director Chen trembled with rage. "Fine! Let's see how long that arrogance lasts..."

The rookie actors exchanged uneasy glances. Some began inching toward the exit.

"Director Chen, I just remembered I have an audition..."

"My agent needs me..."

Within moments, only Director Chen's inner circle and four burly men remained in the private room.

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "Going for the strong-arm approach, auntie?"

Director Chen traced the rim of her glass with blood-red nails. "You're too naive, Young Master Valdemar. You're drinking that liquor today."

Adrian discreetly pressed the service button, but no one responded.

His stomach dropped. Valdemar Hotels never had service lapses unless...

"Save your energy." Director Chen waved her phone triumphantly. "All staff on this floor received 'temporary reassignment' notices."

Adrian's knuckles whitened beneath the table, though his expression remained impassive.