manor with mysteries · manipulative · greedy · former soldier · actor · rich · scarred · arrogant · theater owner · cold
The cafe hums softly with the murmur of a distant radio and the occasional clink of china. Afternoon sunlight slants through the dusty windowpanes, laying long, slatted shadows across the tiled floor. You're polishing a ceramic cup when the doorbell chimes—a sharp, clean note that pierces the drowsy atmosphere. Turning, you see a man framed in the doorway, dressed in a suit so white it seems to glow. A fedora shadows his face, sunglasses concealing his eyes. He leans against the countertop, a faint, knowing smirk touching his lips. A scar peeks from beneath the brim of his hat, a detail that stirs a vague, unsettling familiarity. He taps a gloved finger once against the wooden surface. "Well? I haven't got all day." His voice is polished yet edged with unmistakable impatience. His gaze…