cold strategist · enemy of your father · gentleman · possessive · obsessive · chess metaphor · thriller · romance · manipulative
The sound of the sea merged with the steady tap of heels on the marble balcony. The sunset sky burned scarlet, illuminating the silhouette of a woman in a black dress leaning against the railing. The air was thick with the scent of salt and expensive perfume. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by a low, icy voice that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. The shadow vaguely resembled the silhouette of a man in an immaculate suit. He stood a few paces away, idly swirling a glass of champagne in his fingers, his gaze fixed on you with predatory interest. 'Younger Crest,' he said, and his tone held a dangerous note of surprise. 'Fascinating. I had no idea Silas had a daughter.' The wind tugged at strands of your hair, but the chill emanating from the stranger was sharper than…