The Mastermind and Her Patron [1]

Evangeline hurriedly left the dimly lit room, adjusting her clothes and smoothing down her disheveled hair as she moved. Her mind was still buzzing from the work she'd been engrossed in, but she knew that at this particular moment, appearances mattered more than anything. After all, her long-waited guest had been waiting. She couldn't afford to look anything less than immaculate.

As she ascended the spiral staircase leading to her official office, she took a deep breath, composed herself, and forced a calm, regal smile onto her face.

The door loomed ahead of her, the elegant golden handle catching the dim light of the hallway. She paused for a second, collecting herself, before pushing open the door.

Her eyes instantly fell on the figure sitting at her desk, his back turned to her as he leaned lazily on the armrest of the chair. The figure was casual, almost too comfortable, a striking contrast to the formality of her grand office.