In the austere office of Sir Alastair Pennington, the Director of Foreign Intelligence at MI6, the air was thick with the weight of recent events. Sir Alastair stood by the large window, his tall frame silhouetted against the London skyline. His eyes, sharp and discerning, were fixed on the door as it opened to admit Lars Belladonna Ainsworth, his most promising and beloved protégé.

"Belladonna, come in," Sir Alastair beckoned, his tone both formal and warm, a rare combination that few experienced from the often stern director.

Lars stepped into the room, her black hair neatly tied in a bun, and her composed demeanor reflecting her unwavering professionalism. Despite her young age, she exuded a quiet confidence that had earned her respect and admiration within the agency.

"Your operation in Berlin was exemplary," Sir Alastair began, moving to his desk where a neatly wrapped package awaited. "Your strategic acumen and composure under pressure were instrumental in its success. You’ve once again proven why you are indispensable to our operations."

Lars nodded, her sharp gray eyes meeting his, a silent acknowledgment of his praise.

"As a token of my appreciation, and in keeping with our tradition," he said, picking up the package and handing it to her, "I have selected something I believe you will find intellectually stimulating. It's hard enough to choose a book from the shelves of Penguin Classics and Wordsworth Edition at bookstores, knowing you already own and have read most their editions of classic books." He chuckles.

Lars took the package, unwrapping it carefully to reveal a classic novel. The title, "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens, gleamed up at her—a perfect blend of mystery, law, and societal critique. It's a very thick book, 928 pages. Hard cover, special edition of Wordsworth Classics. The cover is designed very beautifully, like a typical Wordsworth edition of a classic book.

She smiled at the gift from her mentor.