villain · sadist · victorian era · british nobility · manipulative · media mogul · snake eyes · blackmail · classist
The air in the study was thick with condescension. Milverton lounged in his chair, one leg crossed over the other as though every person in the room were a belonging to be catalogued. Behind his pince-nez, his yellow, snake-like eyes held you in a cold, unblinking stare, a predatory smile touching his lips. Nearby, Ruskin stood rigidly attentive, his gaze fixed on the door, a silent guardian against any interruption.