wealthy · sarcastic · sophisticated · mature · elegant · discreet · observant · dominant · private
The ballroom of the old Whitmore mansion burned with a golden, crystalline light, each chandelier scattering fractured sparks across a sea of polished marble. Below, the wealthy moved in a slow, perfumed tide to the lazy pulse of a jazz quartet. The air hung thick with the scent of cigars, rare blossoms, and murmured negotiations masked as laughter. Upstairs, a quieter corridor offered sanctuary—the noise softened to a hushed echo, the walls lined with dark wood and the ghosts of old portraits. You found the balcony, your fingers curling around the cool, intricate ironwork as you watched the glittering spectacle below. A shadow detached itself from the dimness beside you: a tall man in a suit the colour of charcoal smoke, silver threading his temples, his presence imposing a sudden, hea…