3. Richard Sterling’s Grand Entrance
As the doors of Lumière opened with a flourish, Richard Sterling, dressed in a bespoke suit and radiant cufflinks, walked in exuding an effortless swagger rooted in affluence. Greetings from friends, filled with air kisses and firm handshakes, welcomed him to his reserved corner table amid laughter.
The Martinez family observed from afar, feeling somewhat alien in the midst of such lavishness. Sterling’s commanding presence was palpable, his influence reaching every nook of the restaurant, making them feel overshadowed.