Page 77 of Beneath the Shadows

“Necessary?” Valentino raises an eyebrow, a hint of disappointment in his tone. “What happened to you, huh? We used to have all kinds of fun together—those wild nights, remember?”

I stiffen but keep my voice casual. “Things change.”

Valentino scoffs. “Well,Ihaven’t changed. I plan to use every piece of this room.”

Anger simmers beneath the surface, but I swallow it down. “If you’re sure,” I mutter, pressing the button on the wall. The clanking of metal fills the room as the pillory descends, complete with breast clamps and heavy iron cuffs.

Valentino’s eyes light up. “You got it.”

“It took some doing,” I say, crossing my arms, my expression cold, distant.

“You did good here, Anton. Very good.”

His praise cuts deeper than I expected, a bitter reminder of just how far I’ve let myself get dragged into his twisted world. But then I think of Lena’s scars, Alessia’s bruises—the way he flaunts them both like trophies of his power. The memory of how he humiliated me at my own party resurfaces, along with the ultimate betrayal—killing my father.

“There’s still the matter of my gift,” Valentino says, his grin widening as if savoring the thought.

“Ah, yes, the gift,” I reply, feigning nonchalance. “But there’s no rush, is there? We’ve got all night.”

Valentino’s eyes gleam with impatience. “Don’t keep me in suspense, Anton. You promised something special.”

I nod slowly, deliberately dragging out the moment. “It is special. A rarity, just like you wanted.” I pause, watching the hunger in his eyes grow. “Maybe we should head back upstairs first. The procession won’t last much longer.”

He frowns, waving a dismissive hand. “Forget the procession. Show me the gift.”

Keeping my expression blank, I lead him down a different passageway, each step designed to build his anticipation. The air feels heavier here, thick with the scent of damp stone and aged wood—and something else, a quiet presence of death lingering just beneath the surface. I wonder if Valentino senses it too.

“You’ve really outdone yourself with this place,” he murmurs. “But where’s the real prize?”

“Patience, cousin. It’s just ahead.”

The tunnel narrows, forcing us closer together before we reach the door at the end. I pause, resting my hand on the knob.

“I have to warn you,” I say, letting a note of intrigue slip into my voice. “What you’re about to see is truly priceless.”

Valentino’s grin spreads wider, his greed unmistakable now. “Then let’s not waste any more time.”

With slow, deliberate movements, I push open the heavy door, revealing our meeting room.

“A back entrance to the meeting room?” He chuckles, his brow raised in mock disappointment. “This better not be your big surprise, Antonio. I expected more.”

I suppress a smile. “You know I wouldn’t disappoint you.” I step aside and give him a full view of what truly awaits.

His eyes widen and he freezes in place. “Is that...?”

I nod, watching as his gaze locks onto the bottle. “Yes. The 1926 Macallan. Bottle number twelve. As rare and as priceless as they come.”

Valentino steps forward, all sense of mockery gone, his focus entirely on the prize before him. He reaches out, his hand trembling slightly as he admires the craftsmanship of the bottle. “Antonio, you’ve outdone yourself this time.”

Stepping back, I allow him to savor the moment, watching him closely. He’s completely consumed by his desire, unaware of how carefully this trap has been laid.

“But,” I say softly, as if offering advice, “are you sure you want to indulge right now? This bottle is something to be savored. Rushed, it loses its value.”

He waves me off, his eyes never leaving the bottle. “Nonsense. There’s no better time than right now.”

“Of course,” I murmur, my lips curling into a subtle smile as he lifts the bottle from its resting place with a reverence reserved for only the rarest of treasures. His lust for power and wealth has blinded him.

The final act of this charade is almost complete.

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