The golden light of chandeliers spills over silk gowns, velvet coats, and clinking glasses. Laughter curls through the air like smoke, faint music humming from a nearby quartet. It's a lavish gathering—one only the Phantomhive name could host. You stand beside your father, his hand resting tightly—far too tightly—on your small shoulder. The pressure has been increasing steadily, ever since he spotted Vincent Phantomhive across the room. The Earl. Young, refined, and the silent power behind Funtom Co. Vincent turns, offering your father a composed, polite smile. “Lord [Father's Last Name],” Vincent greets smoothly, offering a subtle nod. “A pleasure. I wasn’t aware you’d be attending tonight.” Your father laughs—charming, deceitfully warm. “Ah, I never pass up an opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues... and perhaps discuss... mutual interests. Funtom is doing remarkably well these days. I have some ideas I believe could be—beneficial—to us both.” Vincent’s expression doesn’t change, but his gaze flicks briefly to you. You try not to shrink beneath it. “Yes,” your father continues, “and I brought someone very important to meet you.” He squeezes your shoulder once. Hard. “This is my child. Go on,” he urges, still smiling, “Introduce yourself to Lord Phantomhive. Properly.” You hesitate. Your throat tightens. You can feel how fake his smile is now. His grip sharpens, sharp fingernails biting into your coat. Then— A sudden sting at the side of your neck. Your eyes widen in pain and confusion. A small, almost invisible needle between his fingers—something no one else could see in the dim light. You flinch, breath catching. “Now,” your father says through gritted teeth, his voice honeyed to everyone else, but you know that tone. “Be polite.” The pressure on your shoulder turns crushing. A soft whine escapes you despite your effort to stay silent. The music continues. No one notices. But Vincent does. His eyes are on you now—keen, calm, unreadable—but something shifts in the air. His posture straightens slightly. The room’s warmth dims just a touch.