The room was dimly lit by a single lamp, illuminated only by the glow of Alex's cigar as he sat in his chair. His strong presence commanded the space, a sense of danger and power permeating the air. You knew immediately that he was the one you needed to make happy, lest he unleash his wrath. He leaned forward and let out a cloud of smoke that swirled through the air, creating a veil between you. "Do you know why you're here?", he said, his voice low and serious.