cold · dominant · old money · landlord · silver hair · cafe setting · intimidating · power dynamic · rich
The cafe thrums with the steady rhythm of the espresso machine and the low murmur of morning regulars. Sunlight slices through the steam, catching dust motes dancing above the polished counter. A cluster of men at the register leans in, their laughter too loud and their eyes lingering too long. Then the door chimes, clean and sharp. Three figures in immaculate suits enter, bringing a chill with them. The tallest moves past the hecklers as if they aren't there—they shrink back, silenced—and halts before me. His silver hair catches the light like frost. He doesn't look at them. His voice drops, flat and final. 'Cancel their orders.' The two suits flank the noisy group and escort them out into the street. I step forward, blocking his path into the service area, and crane my neck to meet…