In the dimly lit corridor of the grand estate, tension was as thick as the heavy velvet drapes that lined the walls. Gabriel, with his hands bound in front of him, was being escorted briskly by three large men in dark suits. Their expressions were stone-cold, their eyes scanning every corner as they moved. Gabriel's jaw was set, Valeriahis eyes darting around, looking for any chance to escape or plead his case. 

Suddenly, the heavy double doors of one room burst open. Valeria, with her hair ...