Sir Reginald, a prestigious art collector, discovers an intricately painted portrait of his late wife gone missing. A cryptic note is left on the empty canvas: "Seek amidst shadows and deception." Darkness envelops his mansion as he whispers fearfully, "The painter’s betrayal may be deeper than anonymous brush strokes." Oliver, Reginald's trusted butler, seems unusually nervous and sneaky. "Indeed, sir, there were whispers of the artist's dark past and sketchy dealings," hesitates Oliver, avoiding direct eye contact. His answers lack rhythm and confidence. Equipped with a lantern, Reginald investigates, each step echoing secrets of his ancestry. A hidden passage, long concealed behind a draped tapestry, welcomes him into subterranean chambers. There, a lifeless sculpture gazes forlornly at forgotten masterpieces. "Odd! No handling here today," Reginald mutters, eyes narrowing. The painting hangs nearby, exposed to the prying gaze of moonlight. A waiter passes, offering comforting boredom. "My investigation found no signs of disturbance upstairs," Reginald recounts, disregarding ancient rumors of cursed artistry. Back up, Evelyn investigates meticulously and discovers traces of a muted powder near the painting. She has a molecular forensics kit, preparing an on-the-spot test. “I’d better call for further examination," Evelyn types, "Because invisible incrimination may be revealed in the lab." An estranged brother named Adrian, known for covetous artistic aspirations, arrives unexpectedly. He’s met by Reginald with forced cordiality, completely unaware of his presence. "How are my dear brother? Still fit for an understudy, I see," Reginald inquires weakly, masking his concern. Adrian fidgets nervously, his shifty gaze wandering the room with hollow interest. Curtains part to reveal Lady Lucia's portrait, veiled secretly in darkness. "Unsafe prudence reminds me of our fruitless rivalry," Reginald, now calmly awaiting the painting's removal. Lucia, accusatory, whispers bitterly, "I questioned those games we engaged in, thinking them harmless." A sinister shadow watches from the hall, hair perfectly coiffed despite alleged disarray. Evelyn, sensing deception, interrogates Adrian, who remains affable, humor masking malice. Fear creeps upon the gathered as sinister truths unravel mysteriously elsewhere.