Mara sat by the large window in the Shepherd mansion's sunlit sitting room, her fingers drumming restlessly on the arm of the chair. The view outside was beautiful, lush gardens, a sparkling fountain, and the distant skyline of the city but it did nothing to ease her growing frustration. She had been cooped up for what felt like an eternity, and the inactivity was driving her mad.
"I can't just sit here anymore," she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with irritation. "I need to do something."
As if on cue, Steve Shepherd walked into the room, his usual confident stride carrying him toward her. He held a thick folder in his hand, his expression calm but calculating.
"You look restless," he said, his tone light but observant.
Mara turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Restless? I've been resting for days, Steve. I'm not used to sitting around doing nothing. I need to work. I need to feel useful."
