Page 42 of Beneath the Shadows

From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

Subject:1926 Macallan Whiskey - Available for Purchase

Mr. Luciano,

I am pleased to inform you that we have acquired a rare 1926 bottle of Macallan whiskey. Given your interest in this particular vintage, we wanted to offer you the first opportunity to purchase it.

Distinguishing this offer further, this particular bottle has undergone reconditioning by The Macallan Distillery, with both the capsule and cork replaced. Additionally, a 1ml liquid sample was taken and compared with another 1926 bottle at the Edrington offices in Glasgow. The capsule was recreated by a producer in Austria, providing an identical match to the original.

The selling price is $1,200,000.00. We can arrange a discreet and secure transaction at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

John Billings

A rare smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. This bottle is the perfect belated wedding gift for Valentino. He’s obsessed with rare whiskeys, especially the 1926 Macallan. The price is steep, but this particular bottle will bolster his ego and reinforce the illusion of my loyalty. I quickly compose my reply.

From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

Subject:Re: 1926 Macallan Whiskey - Available for Purchase

Mr. Billings,

Thank you for your quick work. I’m impressed by your efficiency in locating this bottle. I’d like to move forward with the purchase immediately. Please send over the details for the transaction.

Best,

Antonio Luciano

I hit send, satisfaction washing over me. This gift is more than just a token of goodwill—it’s a calculated move. Another piece of the puzzle to keep Valentino blind to what I’m really after. He won’t suspect a thing. He’ll only see my generosity and loyalty. Meanwhile, I’ll keep digging for the truth about his involvement in Uncle Gio’s death.

It’s all part of the game.

Valentino

Although I made sure the marks were hidden beneath her clothes, Alessia will feel the bruises from her punishment for days. One way or another, she’ll fall in line—become the well-behaved arm candy she was bred to be. It’s only a matter of time before she stops resisting. And once she does, I’ll get her pregnant with my heir, securing the Comiso legacy for another generation.

But tonight, I need someone who shares my desires and won’t fight me at every turn.

Alessia may be mine, but she’s not ready to accept the darker side of what I need. And right now, I’m craving someone who appreciates the pain I inflict. Someone who knows what I like and won’t put up a fight.

I grab my phone.

Valentino:Are you working tonight?

Lena:I am.

Valentino:What time do you get off?

Lena:I’m working until close.

Valentino:Not anymore. I’m on my way.

Lena:We’re packed tonight. Marco isn’t going to let me leave early.

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