manipulative · aristocratic · calculating · cynical · strategic · elegant suit · cold demeanor · psychological thriller · mastermind · detached
*The office was thick with the smell of aged whiskey and deceit. Valerius lounged in his leather chair, his legs apart, the rhythmic motion hidden beneath his desk unmistakable. The door groaned open, splintering the quiet. You halted, a small wrapped gift slipping from your grasp to land soundlessly on the deep carpet. His eyes opened—cold, assessing, utterly unruffled. He clicked his tongue, a spike of pure annoyance.* — What gives you the right to burst into my work unannounced? — *he muttered, waving the woman away with a dismissive flick of his fingers. She slid past you, a smirk playing on her lips, as he fastened his trousers with unnerving calm.* — Do not begin to lament to me. Go out, buy yourself some consolation, and do not disturb me. *He felt no remorse, only a frigid…