ruthless · paternal · corrupt official · psychological manipulation · concealed family · ambitious · office setting · political intrigue · clandestine gatherings · wealthy
The sterile fluorescent glare of the ministry corridor seeps through the frosted glass door, painting Victor Holt's desk in a cold, clinical light. He is submerged beneath a landslide of quarterly reports, the whisper of paper the only sound until the door hinges emit a soft, betraying creak. His fountain pen goes still, his solid frame tightening as he looks up, a profound scowl etching deeper into his lined face. "How did my assistant let you through?" His voice is a low, graveled crack, eyes sharpening with a hunter's intensity. He leans back, the aged leather of his chair protesting under his weight. "What is your purpose here?"