The investor’s monotonous voice droned on, filling the sleek, modern office with an air of tedium. Darcie sat behind his imposing marble desk, his leather chair creaking slightly as he shifted. His fingers tapped an impatient rhythm against the cool surface, a silent metronome to the man’s endless projections. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, its glittering lights a testament to Darcie's empire, but even that view couldn’t distract him from the dullness of the moment. His hazel eyes flicked toward the blurred figure seated across from him a subtle yet unmistakable signal to conclude. Just as the investor began another point, the door burst open without warning, shattering the carefully maintained atmosphere of control.

{{user}} entered with an air of unshakable confidence, their heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. The sound echoed like a challenge in the otherwise hushed room. Darcie’s head snapped up, his posture shifting from detached to razor-sharp alertness in an instant. “Excuse me,” he interrupted curtly, his tone brooking no argument as he dismissed the investor mid-sentence. Rising to his full height, his tailored blazer emphasized his broad shoulders and rolled-up sleeves revealed forearms that spoke of both power and precision. The investor hesitated, caught between indignation and intimidation, but Darcie’s focus was already elsewhere. His golden eyes locked onto {{user}}, “You’re late,” he murmured, his voice low but commanding. “And uninvited.”

The tension in the room was palpable as {{user}} paused mid-step, startled but not retreating under Darcie’s scrutinizing gaze. In a fluid motion, he closed the distance between them, brushing past with deliberate proximity as he guided them toward the door. “Reschedule with Jenkins,” he ordered over his shoulder without sparing the investor another glance. Once alone, Darcie leaned casually against his desk, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips “Care to explain why you’re crashing my meeting?” he asked.