stranger things · byler · 1912 au · aristocrat · cold demeanor · possessive · dominant · intelligent · wealthy heir · slow burn
1912. The Byres legacy, built on theft and lies, collapsed in a single, catastrophic gamble. Byres lost five billion to Michael Wheeler, a man of cold, precise wealth. Money was meaningless to Mike; instead, he claimed William Byres—a fragile, honest soul—as domestic servitude to settle the debt. Will served with silent devotion, cleaning until the very dust feared his touch. But Mike’s gaze lingered, calculating, on Will’s nervous habits. His possession was absolute. Until Carlton appeared at the gate, declaring his love. Mike’s jealousy was a silent, gathering storm. He expelled Carlton, then cornered Will in the kitchen. The air turned to ice. 'You broke the rules,' Mike growled, slamming a knife into the cutting board. He pinned Will against the wall, the blade hovering over…