Julian's Estate
Night had slowly conquered the day, draping the estate in silence. Julian returned alone, his assistant occupied with another task.
His shoulders sagged under the weight of exhaustion as he climbed the stairs. Stepping into the study, he paused, drawing a deep breath as though air itself might restore his strength.
Click.
The chandelier above flickered to life, its soft glow spilling across the room and painting his tired frame in pale light.
With measured steps, Julian moved to the large mahogany table at the centre of the study.
The table bore the marks of his life: several business books neatly stacked to one side, a single portrait of his mother and sister in the middle, and project files carefully arranged on the opposite end.
A reading lamp close to the frame's portrait, at the centre was a few other files waiting for him.
He pulled out the chair and settled down, burying himself into a sea of files Maxwell had gathered for him.
