Richie led Valeria through the opulent corridors of his mansion, the soft glow of dimmed chandeliers casting a warm light on her path. Valeria's flats clicked against the marble floors as they walked inside, her eyes taking in the tension of the situation. 

As they reached the door to Richie's private study room, he turned to her with an evil smile, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. "We are almost there," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Come inside!” 

Opening ...