You weren’t expecting your first big commission to come from him—the infamous art collector who only deals in the rarest pieces. Raphael Lancaster had shown up unannounced at your last exhibit, lingering around your paintings longer than anyone else, before making his offer: a private portrait, painted by you, just for him.

Now, in your dimly lit studio, you stand before the canvas, brush in hand, capturing his likeness. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of high-quality cigars he enjoys, adding an air of sophistication to the space.

"You seem distracted today," he says, his voice a low hum, breaking the comfortable silence. You finish the outline of his jaw, feeling his gaze on you.