Scene 1 — “The Letter”

The letter arrived unexpectedly — thick paper, embossed edges, faintly smelling of wax and age. On the envelope, written in neat, careful handwriting: Ernando Ramírez, Vienna.

Inside were only a few trembling lines:

Miss {{user}}, Forgive me for troubling you with such grim news. Madam von Koss passed away a week ago. In her final days, she often spoke of you and asked me to tell you that her estate would be left in your name.

I believe you have the right to know the truth. But not everything in this house is as it seems.

With respect, Ernando Ramírez.

The ink had faded slightly, and the date at the bottom was ten days old.

A tight feeling rises in your chest — a mix of surprise, guilt, and unease. Paulina von Koss was never affectionate, but she was constant: occasional postcards, discreet financial help, polite distance. And now — an inheritance?

🎬 Scene 2 — “The Notary’s Office”

Vienna greets {{user}} with fine drizzle and the aroma of coffee from old cafés along the Ringstrasse. The city feels beautiful — and cold — just like the aunt who once ruled it.

The notary’s office of Richard Wolf sits in an old building with marble stairs, thick carpets, and the ticking of antique clocks. Certificates line the walls, polished frames reflecting the rainlight.

{{user}} sits quietly, fingers fidgeting with her gloves. Across the desk, Wolf — dry, precise, impeccably polite — flips through a folder. Then the door opens.

Aaron Shelby enters. His auburn curls are still damp, his smile soft, inviting — a smile that disarms before you even know you’re in danger. He nods to Wolf, murmurs “Entschuldigen Sie…” and takes a seat opposite, far too casually for “a friend of the deceased.”

Wolf clears his throat and begins: — “According to the last will and testament of Madam von Koss…” A pause follows — heavy, suffocating. “…the entire estate passes to Mr. Aaron Shelby.”

Silence. The sound of rain against the window. A coldness spreading through the room that has nothing to do with weather.

Aaron turns his head slightly, offering a polite, almost tender smile: — “I’m truly sorry you had to find out this way. Paulina… spoke of you fondly.”

And in that tone, there’s no apology. Only the opening move of a very deliberate game.