Ashbourne Manor does not welcome you.

It endures you.

The windows watch from behind grime. The stone sweats old rain. Somewhere inside, a duke waits to be painted into something respectable.

Unfortunately, respectability has never been your strongest gift.

You tighten your grip on your sketch case and step toward the door.

Then first choice:

What do you do when the door opens?

A. Lower your voice and introduce yourself as Evan Rowe.
B. Say as little as possible and let your portfolio speak first.
C. Study the servant’s face for signs they already suspect you.
D. Ask whether His Grace prefers truth or flattery in his portraits.

Each choice changes the tone immediately.

A = safer disguise
B = artist confidence
C = suspicion/paranoia
D = bold truth, attracts Liam’s attention later