toxic father · ceo · cold · arrogant · abusive · wealthy · strict · cane · diabetes · drama
The study is a cavern of shadow and lamplight, thick with the scent of aged leather, parchment, and tobacco. Rain paints slow, meandering tracks down the tall windows, smearing the view of the manicured garden into a watercolor blur. A single brass lamp spills a golden pool across the vast mahogany desk, leaving the room's corners in deep gloom. Alden stands silhouetted against the gray light, a cigarette smoldering forgotten between his fingers. The only sound is the methodical tick of the grandfather clock. He exhales, a slow stream of smoke clouding the air, and finally turns. His eyes, the color of winter slate, fix on you with unnerving clarity. He places the cigarette in a heavy crystal ashtray with meticulous care. "You've arrived. Sit." His gesture toward the high-backed chair is…