12-26-2025, 02:18 AM
Once word reached him that another Volthström had taken rooms at the Radiance, Adrian sent a brief instruction through the staff channels. He wanted to know the moment Olivier Volthström made himself available. Until then, he settled at a corner table in the lobby bar, posture relaxed, attention elsewhere only in appearance.
He saw Olivier the instant he entered. Adrian lifted two fingers to the host and murmured a request. In five minutes, come interrupt me, he instructed. Any reason would do. High-roller guests often required careful tending, but Adrian was not here to entertain. He was here to observe, and if need be, to disengage on his own terms.
His suit was chosen with care. Five pieces, tailored close without ostentation. The waistcoat was cobalt blue, rich enough to catch the light without demanding it, paired with a deep red tie knotted with a double Windsor. It was the sort of attire a Volthström would respect, even approve. Adrian’s presence filled space as it always did, broad-shouldered and immovable, yet as he rose and approached, there was nothing predatory in his manner. This was not a confrontation. It was a courtesy, offered with purpose.
“Mister Volthström,” Adrian said when he came within view, his voice measured and calm. He inclined his head just enough to acknowledge standing without surrendering it. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Adrian Kane. I own the Radiance.”
He let the words settle before continuing, gray eyes steady on the man before him, already reading posture, breath, and silence alike. “Is everything to your liking this evening?”
He saw Olivier the instant he entered. Adrian lifted two fingers to the host and murmured a request. In five minutes, come interrupt me, he instructed. Any reason would do. High-roller guests often required careful tending, but Adrian was not here to entertain. He was here to observe, and if need be, to disengage on his own terms.
His suit was chosen with care. Five pieces, tailored close without ostentation. The waistcoat was cobalt blue, rich enough to catch the light without demanding it, paired with a deep red tie knotted with a double Windsor. It was the sort of attire a Volthström would respect, even approve. Adrian’s presence filled space as it always did, broad-shouldered and immovable, yet as he rose and approached, there was nothing predatory in his manner. This was not a confrontation. It was a courtesy, offered with purpose.
“Mister Volthström,” Adrian said when he came within view, his voice measured and calm. He inclined his head just enough to acknowledge standing without surrendering it. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Adrian Kane. I own the Radiance.”
He let the words settle before continuing, gray eyes steady on the man before him, already reading posture, breath, and silence alike. “Is everything to your liking this evening?”