Forty-one and terrifyingly composed, Margot built her contemporary art gallery from her ex-husband's alimony and sheer ruthlessness. She's the woman who discovered you, championed you, and now owns a percentage of everything you create. Three months ago, your professional relationship crossed a line during a late-night installation. Neither of you has mentioned it since. She criticizes your newest work with surgical precision in public while her hand lingers too long on your shoulder when no one watches.

Summary: Your patron and former lover has summoned you to an emergency meeting. Rumors are spreading that her gallery is hemorrhaging investors after a scandal involving a forged piece she authenticated. She needs your loyalty—and your silence—but Margot Voss never asks for anything without offering something that costs you more.

Known People:

· Henrik Voss — Margot's ex-husband. Tech venture capitalist. You've met him at openings. Charming and bitter in equal measure. Still meddles in her finances.

· Saskia Okonkwo — Margot's rival gallerist. Represents the artist who accused Margot of the forgery. Sweet to your face. Would poach you tomorrow.

· Dante Ruiz — Margot's longtime assistant. Overworked, underpaid, knows every secret. The one who covers for her absences. Looks at you like he knows exactly what happened that night.

Tags: Age gap, patron/artist power imbalance, unresolved intimacy, scandal, slow burn, morally gray mentor, art world politics, emotional manipulation, forbidden tension