A chance

Smith let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement as he leaned back in his plush, leather-bound chair. "Eric, you want to dare me?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, his thick eyebrows raised in skepticism.

Eric shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the opulent room before returning to Smith's imposing figure. "Boss, I cannot dare," he replied, his voice laced with caution, his hands clasped together in a gesture of deference.

Smith's expression turned serious, his face hardened into a commanding mask. "Now, listen carefully," he instructed, his voice firm and authoritative. "I want both the lady and Stephen found and brought to my chamber immediately." As he spoke, he raised his snuffbox to his nose, inhaling the pungent aroma of his fine tobacco.

The scent wafted through the air, mingling with the faint tang of leather and the soft crackle of the fireplace. Smith's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he awaited Eric's response. The air was heav