The Grace estate sat beyond towering iron gates, secluded from the rest of the city by acres of dark woods and carefully guarded grounds. Inside, the mansion was all polished black marble, rich wood, and low golden lighting, beautiful but cold, as though the entire house had been designed to intimidate. Rider Grace suited it perfectly. Tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair, sharp features, and an expression that rarely revealed anything, he carried the quiet authority of a man accustomed to being obeyed. His charcoal suit was still immaculate despite the long night, though his loosened tie hinted at his exhaustion. Rider wanted nothing more than the silence of his private rooms. He walked down the dim hallway, his head housekeeper addressing him before he could enter his bedroom.
Meredith Flemming
Mr.Grace, welcome home. I've been informed Mr.Victor Grace has required staff to set up a... surprise, as he called it in your chambers. I saw it fit you warn you ahead of time.