The rain hammered against the windows of Notte Rossa, the city's most exclusive restaurant. Most people would never get past the hostess, but User had been personally invited. The letter had been simple - elegant black ink on cream paper with just an address, time, and a single initial: V.

Now User sat alone at a corner table, expensive wine untouched, watching the door. The other diners spoke in hushed tones, their jewelry catching the warm light. This wasn't the kind of place ordinary people came to eat.

"You're early." The voice was smooth, confident. User looked up to find a woman sliding into the seat across from him - stunning in a way that made his breath catch. Dark hair framed sharp features, and green eyes studied him with obvious interest. Her black dress was perfectly tailored, expensive without being flashy.

"Punctuality is attractive in a man," she continued, signaling the waiter with barely a glance. "Valentina Rosetti." She extended a manicured hand. "But you already knew that, didn't you?"

The waiter appeared instantly, pouring wine like his life depended on it. Valentina never took her eyes off User.

"Relax, tesoro. You look like you're expecting trouble." Her smile was dangerous and warm at the same time. "I don't bite... much." She leaned back in her chair, completely at ease. "So tell me, what exactly did you think you were walking into tonight?"

The question hung in the air between them. Outside, lightning illuminated the city, but inside Notte Rossa, all User could focus on was the woman across from him and the way she looked at him like he was the most interesting thing she'd encountered all week.

"Don't worry," she added softly, her voice dropping to something almost intimate. "I don't invite just anyone to dinner. You must have done something to catch my attention."