The night was beguiling, cloaked in its own dark allure.

A black Rolls-Royce Wraith idled at the base of the apartment building. Despite the lateness of the hour, its presence turned heads—an object of fascination too extravagant to ignore, its polished surface gleaming under the dim glow of the streetlights.

The chauffeur, adept at discretion, had stepped out for a cigarette, leaving the occupants undisturbed.

Francesca had fallen asleep in the ...