RICHARD HARPERS OFFICE (SL) LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND 24•05•2016 17:29PM
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The walk to the compound felt interminable, each step weighed down by the penetrating stares of the men and women who populated the area.
She was a well-known figure here, a name that carried a mix of intrigue and disdain. Katherine could almost feel the weight of their gazes, each one a reminder that many of these individuals had likely been involved in the efforts to track her down.
The scrutiny didn't surprise her; rather, it only reinforced the reality of her situation.
She stood outside her father's office, her heart pounding as the sound of three firm knocks resonated against the polished wooden door, echoing through the dimly lit hallway. She could hear the muffled voice of her father from within, granting permission to enter.
"Onkel," Albert greeted as he strode through the door, Katherine reluctantly following in his wake. "I have a gift for you," he added with a grin, prompting Katherine to scoff.
Katherine surveyed the office, taking in the warm, dim lighting that cast soft shadows across the wooden furniture. Bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with volumes that hinted at both wisdom and obsession.
In the corner, leather couches faced a sturdy desk, where her father sat engrossed in his computer screen.
The blue glow illuminated his face, but that light faded as he turned his gaze to her.
His eyes narrowed, and a predatory grin spread across his features, sending a shiver down Katherine's spine. In that moment, she was struck by the realization of just how long she had been away.
Her father was aging; streaks of gray peppered his dark hair, and deep lines etched themselves into his skin, stark reminders of the years spent in a world of power and manipulation.
The two locked eyes, neither willing to break contact. Katherine defiant stare was a clear statement of her resolve.
Richard's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, a calculating smile playing at his lips. "Kitty," he began, his voice smooth yet authoritative.
She shot him a venomous glare, her lips curling into a snarl as she stood rigidly beside Albert.
"It's been a while. I see you haven't lost your spirit." He leaned back in his chair, studying her with a mixture of approval and expectation.
She shrugged nonchalantly. "suppose some things never change," she replied, nodding toward the bar in the corner of the room. Both Albert and her father followed her gaze, and she added, "like your alcoholism."
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned forward slightly. "Oh, come now, Kitty. It's called unwinding after a long day. You should try it sometime."
