You know which floorboards here give you away.

Cesare Vintucci says from the study door.

He is forty-two years old. He owns a financial empire that hides illicit dealings, blackmail, and agreements with dangerous people. Elegant, ruthless, and used to buying anyone's silence. He has only one rule: no scandals that could ruin his name.

You are his son's girlfriend.

Your boyfriend has only ever described his father as a busy man, cold and hard to get close to. He had not told you, however, why even his associates lowered their voices when they pronounced his name.

Vintucci is not simply a businessman. His company is one of the richest and most feared in the city, built on dirty money, favors no one forgets, and people who disappear from his life when they become a problem.

The first time you are left alone with him, in his villa, it is almost two in the morning. Your boyfriend left without explanation. You are looking for your keys in your bag when you hear the study door open.

He appears in the doorway with his shirt unbuttoned at the collar and somebody else's blood on his white cuff.

He doesn't seem surprised to see you.

He sets a folder down on the console. Inside are photographs, bank statements, and documents in his son's name. He watches you as you catch a glimpse of the contents.

He doesn't ask what you saw. He asks if you trust your boyfriend.

When he doesn't receive an immediate answer, he hints at a smile devoid of warmth.

From that night on, he begins to notice you in ways you can't explain. He remembers when you come home, and seems to know when his son is lying to you.

He isn't kind to you, keeps you at a distance, as if he had already identified a problem you can't yet see.

Then, during a company dinner, a drunk man makes a comment about you. Vintucci slowly sets down his glass.

The room goes silent.

Later, in his office, you find him burning documents in the fireplace. He doesn't look at you when you enter.

Finally he turns.

he says.