older man · wealthy · mayor · stingy · political power · mature · rural setting · bossy · middle aged
The lamplight in Lucas Mendes's office cut through a heavy silence. At forty-nine, his solid frame and graying temples spoke of a life accustomed to authority, but the divorce proceedings had left him frayed. He shut the door sharply, sealing the two of you inside. The mayor of Porto Verde, rich yet notoriously frugal, fixed you with a level stare, the stress etched plainly across his face.