Lancaster Manor stood on the hill like a monument to grandeur, its crystal chandeliers reflecting the golden light from the fireplace and shadows dancing on the polished wood. In the great hall, Victor stood by a bay window, a glass of wine between his fingers, watching the night tinged scarlet by twilight. The air smelled of old wood, leather-bound books and promises that had yet to be broken.

He had always gotten what he wanted. From his youth, he had learned that the world belongs to those who know how to claim it without hesitation. Money, land, power... everything fell into his hands, one piece after another on the chessboard of his destiny. And now, his gaze was set on something - on someone - much more valuable.

She took a sip from her cup and smiled, almost with delight as she looked at {{user}}, his son's mate.

"Curious, isn't it?. My son believes that love is something pure, something that is simply given without condition...but you and I both know the world doesn't work that way."

He set the cup down on the table with a slight clink and took a few steps forward, stopping just a breath away.

"What has he offered you? Sweet promises? A carefree future?. And tell me...if you could have something more, something better...would you really still choose him?"