"We are definitely going back, Athena," her friend looks at her while the men put the luggage in the room. "Do you want to go through with this? Look at that woman from a moment ago. Is she his woman? For God's sake."

"Come on, Layla, my head hurts," she complains, making a face. "What else can I do? The contract between the families has already been signed. I just want to put an end to all this torment once and for all."

"Are you going to put up with that woman from a moment ago? I'm sure this Valentin or Valentino, whatever his name is, is doing all this on purpose."

"I don't care," she shrugs.

"Why are you taking it so lightly? Don't you care at all that he has another woman?"

"Hey, why should I care about a complete stranger? That's not my business; she was surely his girlfriend before I got here." She rubs her temples in frustration. "Besides, it's better for me that there's another woman to warm his bed, because from me he won't get that kind of attention."

"Don't tell me you're going to go without for a whole year; that's too extreme."

"I always have my resources, and you know it."

"Alright, let's stop this conversation here; I'm feeling really angry right now." She fumbles for the phone that vibrates inside her bag. "It's time for me to go, Ate; we'll talk tonight. I have to get settled."

"Don't forget to send me the address of the place," she bids her farewell with a kiss on the cheek. "Use protection."

"I will."

Athena lets out a tired sigh as she is left alone in the hallway, watching her friend's back as she leaves. The bodyguards finish bringing up the luggage and are then guided by some maids to the place where they should stay. Upon entering her room, she finds her personal maid, or rather, her nanny, unpacking some things.

"You should leave it like that, Nana; the other maids will take care of that job," she tells her, letting herself fall backward onto the bed. "Take a break for today."

"I was about to prepare you a bath; you look quite tired," she replies, sitting down beside her. "Are you okay?"

Athena closes her eyes, nodding her head.

"Better than ever."

"That wasn't a very pleasant welcome a moment ago. Do your parents know about this?"

"I don't know... but it doesn't matter anyway; this is a matter of paper and ink, Nana; there's nothing personal involved, don't worry."

"If you say so... then I guess it's okay."

"Did they already tell you where you're going to stay?"

"Yes, on the first floor below."

"Then go and take a break; I want to be alone for a moment."

"Let me know if you need anything."

"Okay."

The door closes again when the nanny leaves. She completely collapses onto the bed, ready to fall asleep after the uncomfortable trip she had. But just when she thought she would have some peace, the door opens abruptly with a loud bang, causing Athena to turn over in bed, startled.

"What the heck...?" She sits up, frozen as she sees a male figure standing in front of her. "And who the hell are you? Don't you know how to knock on a door?"

"What?" The man reacts, disconcerted. "Is that your way of talking to me?"

"Excuse me?" she raises an eyebrow. "Who the hell are you? Get out of my room right now."

"Who do you think you are?" He frowns severely, giving her a cold look. "I expected more from the fiancée they sent me."

"Wait." She blinks, analyzing the situation. "Are you my fiancé?"

"Unfortunately."

"Damn it."

"What?"

Athena remains silent for a few minutes, observing the man in front of her. She scrutinizes him without any hint of modesty, shifting her eyes first to his crotch. She raises an eyebrow, noticing the bulge that shows through his pants. Then, her gaze moves to his face: green eyes, blond hair, fair skin, a square jaw, and a perfect physical condition.

Everything about him seems to be fine. She imagined that marrying a less attractive man would be a bigger annoyance, but this is exactly her type. Despite this, he doesn't meet her high standards.

But what is that murderous look he's giving her? They've just met and this is how he treats her.

"I'm Athena Volkova," she gets up from the bed, standing in front of him like a fragile little doll before a big ogre. "Your fiancée. Nice to meet you."

He looks at her for a brief moment, thinking that she might be a little more mature, but she just looks like a spoiled child in front of his eyes.

He analyzes her appearance for a moment; it's not bad at all. Black hair, gray eyes, with a good body figure as if she puts a lot of effort into taking care of it. A small, pink mouth, her gaze seems sweet, like that of an innocent girl, but deep down, you can see how dangerous she can be. Her white skin is quite well-cared for; she's practically a perfect doll. But she's not to his taste.

"Valentino Rizzo," he finally introduces himself. "It's best we make things clear right now."

"Go ahead," she purses her lips, showing nonchalance.

"I don't want you to go near Lirio," he states, with a harsh and rough voice. "This will simply be a paper and ink marriage, so stay away from her. She's the woman I want, make that clear."

Athena tried to hold back a mocking laugh, but she couldn't help but let out a burst of laughter, which made Valentino's face harden even more.

"What's so funny?"

"What do you think? This idiot act you're doing right now," she replies, trying to hold back again. "Let's see. We've just met, I don't know who the hell you are, and you don't know who I am either. And now you're asking me not to mess with your mistress as if I were a jealous woman? Seriously, I didn't know Italians liked to make such a fool of themselves. First, the withered flower telling me she's your woman, acting like a secretary without a salary, and now you with empty threats as if I cared about your pathetic life."

"Watch your words," he snaps. "If I'm telling you all this, it's so you can be clear; Lirio told me everything that happened and what you said to her as soon as you set foot here."

"I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

"Do you plan to threaten me into kicking her out? She was here before you."

"And I won't argue with that," she sighs, sitting back on the bed. "I'm not against you having your stupid romance with her, but her living under the same roof as me, of course not. Find her a nest to warm your eggs."

"You are insolent!" he bursts out, filled with rage. "I won't allow you to mess with her; you'll only be my wife on paper, so you have no right."

"Come on, drop this boring speech," she rolls her eyes. "Just like you, I didn't agree to this; I don't like being tied down, and even less with bitter guys like you, so stop playing the victim. If I'm here, it's to save your father's factory. Stop whining, please."

"How dare you?" He grabs her wrist, pulling her to her feet roughly. "Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?"

"If you don't want me to kick your balls, let go of me right now," she states. "Don't think that just because I'm going to be your wife, you'll even think about controlling me. Get a grip, Rizzo."

"You'd better know your place." He releases her without a shred of gentleness. "Don't expect any kind of friendly treatment from me, because you won't get it."

With that, he turns on his heel and leaves the room, slamming the door. Athena takes a deep breath and lies back on the bed, thinking about what to do with that guy who apparently feeds on scorpions.

Threatening her not to approach his mistress. Something truly ridiculous that actually caused her amusement. That statement couldn't have been more absurd.

Athena expected many things from this marriage that was set up so suddenly, but it turned out to be more fun than she thought. It was time to start with the Volkova disaster.

Valentino was pacing in his study, quite furious after a confrontation with the woman who would now be his wife. He didn't like the idea of sharing his life with her, much less that she was so arrogant, trying to be in control of everything.

At that very instant, Lirio appears in the doorway, and he gestures for her to enter without losing the devilish look on his face.

"What happened?" she asks him, putting on a pitiful expression. "Did you meet her? It must have been unpleasant for you; she's a very rude girl."

"She's an insolent woman!" he explodes, almost on the verge of madness. "How dare she...?"

"What did she say to you?" She approaches and clings to his arm.

"Nothing." He breaks her grip and goes to his desk to pour himself a drink. "Today, move back to your old apartment."

"What?" She bristles. "Are you kicking me out because of that woman?"

"Don't argue, Lirio, I've had enough of her," he runs his hand through his hair, quite stressed. "Do what I say; I already told you it's just for a year while the term is up. I'll come to visit you from time to time; besides, we see each other daily at the factory."

"But, Valentino..." Her eyes get moist again. "Are you going to fall for her threats? She just wants to get rid of me; don't let her..."

Valentino's mind flashes back to Athena's words about her complete lack of interest in Lirio. It's obvious she knows what she's here for and doesn't care at all that he's in a relationship, so he concludes that Lirio's words don't make sense. A woman can't be against another woman when she shows no interest in her man.

"Ask the servants to help you pack," he finishes, standing up and heading towards her. "Try to make this easier for both of us; I have to think about saving the factory, okay?"

"Valentino..." she whimpers.

"Go back and pack." He leaves a kiss on her forehead. "I have things to attend to now."

He turns his back on her, returning to his desk and pouring himself another drink. The woman clenches her fists, containing the helplessness caused by being kicked out like this, simply because of a newcomer who will only provide financial help, while she is the woman Valentino "wants."

She leaves the study in a fury over the current situation. How can things change so fast overnight? Before, she was the only one who could be by Valentino's side. They didn't have a stable relationship as such, but he was always attentive and affectionate with her.

They were practically already a couple. But something keeps her restless, and that is that Valentino has always seen her as that emotional support he had at a time when he lost his mother. What if the affection ends and he falls in love with his new wife?

It's a risk she is taking, as Athena is much younger and more beautiful than her. Furthermore, Valentino's father doesn't agree with their relationship, so things have always been difficult for her in that aspect.

The only solution for Lirio to maintain her place by Valentino's side will be to stay in the role of a victim, being somehow hurt by the jealous wife.

"Valentino is mine, only mine, you'll see," she murmurs, heading towards her room to pack.

Now, her role as the "lady of the house" will be taken by that little girl, and that little girl will be the ruin of them both.

Several days have passed since Athena and Valentino met. Although the wedding preparations are underway, the engaged couple barely cross paths. While Valentino is immersed in work at the factory and occasionally visits Lirio at her apartment, Athena is trying to adapt to her new life in the mansion.

Fortunately, she doesn't feel alone; her friend visits her regularly, they go shopping, and she has a nanny and some subordinates at her disposal. The loneliness and bewilderment are becoming more and more bearable for her.

At night, Valentino locks himself in his room, avoiding going down to the dining room to have dinner with his fiancée. In the mornings, he leaves without having breakfast, creating a monotonous routine. However, Athena, apparently ignoring his presence, maintains contact with her family and friends, spending most of her time away. It seems that both of them avoid facing each other after their last disagreement.

"I hope you've adapted well here, Athena," Clodan comments, bringing the cup of coffee to his lips.

"I can't complain," she answers with a kind smile, "but I think your son doesn't like me. He avoids me all the time, and we're days away from getting married. What will people think of us? We have to put on a good face now that the press is feasting on us."

"You're very right about that," he mentions, frowning. "I apologize for the trouble he's been causing lately, and especially with what happened last time with that woman. It must have been very unpleasant."

"Don't worry, she's his mistress after all..."

"What?" The man seems dismayed. "Don't believe the things she says. They had a relationship, but that's over."

"Oh, don't get me wrong," she hurries to reply. But for a moment, before telling him that she doesn't care at all that Valentino has another woman, she considers it. "You know what? When I got here, I didn't get a good reception from your son, and even less so from that woman named Lirio. They were both very cruel."

"Really?" Mr. Clodan's brow furrows in bewilderment. "I'll talk to my son about this situation. And about that woman..."

"Don't worry about her," she interrupts him, giving a crooked smile. "I know perfectly well that you cast your line into the sea where big and fat fish abound, don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"This marriage is simply one of convenience, and you more than anyone benefit from this, since your factory is practically bankrupt," she elaborates, capturing her father-in-law's interest. "I also know that Lirio, your son's mistress, is not beneficial to your family. So don't worry about her; she won't affect our contract at all."

"You are a very intelligent girl," the man smiles with satisfaction. "I'm glad to have you as my daughter-in-law. Anyway, it doesn't hurt to put a stop to Valentino, so leave it in my hands."

"As you wish." She returns that same look of complicity while both enjoy their coffee.

In the darkness of the night, Athena was getting ready in her room to rest after having dinner alone in the dining room. Her father-in-law was absent on business, and her fiancé showed a clear disinterest in seeing her.

While she brushed her long hair, she put on a white silk mini-pajama, ready to sleep. However, the doors of her room burst open before she could lie down. Although she was briefly startled, she sighed in annoyance when she identified the intruder.

"Were you raised with wild cattle or something?" she spat expectantly. "Knock on the damn door before you come in; this is my space."

"Listen well, brat!" He approached her like an enraged bull, grabbing her arm tightly. "This is my mansion, and you're just an insignificant nuisance," he roared with fury. "What did you say to my father? Keep your nose out of my business with Lirio!"

"First of all, let go of me." Her gaze darkened, and seeing the man's persistence, she pulled away aggressively. "Who am I? Here I am your damn fiancée and future wife, the one who will save your miserable factory from falling into ruin."

"Insolent!"

"Don't you yell at me, you idiot!" she exclaimed in the same tone. "And I don't know what your father told you; I don't care." She stood in front of him like an enraged doll.

"Now you want to play innocent? I know you talked to him about Lirio, because he didn't hesitate to come and complain," he stated with disdain. "I told you to leave Lirio alone; things were clear from the moment you set foot in this mansion." He got closer to her, furious. "Listen carefully, I won't give you the place you're claiming; I won't give you and my father the pleasure of leaving Lirio."

"And I'm going to tell you something, for being too insignificant, you take up a lot of space, you imbecile."

"What?"

"I'm fed up with you, tired of your same damn sermon about that stupid woman."

"I won't allow you to talk about her like that!"

"You don't allow me to do anything!" Athena replied, annoyed. "Don't you get tired? Stop lamenting so much and playing the victim with your Lirio, because nothing bad is happening to her. You just complain and throw your curses at me, knowing that you are the one who benefits the most from this. And me? I have the bad luck of having to put up with someone as bitter and despotic as you, who is only hiding behind a woman's skirt." Valentino clenched his jaw, his gaze darkening. "Grow up, Rizzo, accept that you're going to marry me, because just like you, I can't stand you, I despise you, but even so, I'm not complaining."

"How dare you?" He grabbed her wrist with force, causing her to let out a groan. "Listen, Athena Volkova, let this be the last time you speak to me like that," he sentenced. "If I'm continuing with this damn contract, it's not because I want to; I'd rather everything go to hell than have to be married to a woman I don't love. I thought everything would be easier if my fiancée were a manageable lady, not a woman as arrogant as you."

"Well, I have bad news for you, we will be married for a year, and if you can't stand me, that's your problem, because I don't suffer over any trash that gets in my way, unlike you," she replied with indifference, receiving a cold look from her fiancé. "If you don't want to go through with this, talk to your father and cancel everything, because I'm more than willing."

"You're so despicable." He let go of her abruptly, and she stumbled back several steps from the push. "I hope you face the consequences of your rebelliousness and your insolence."

He gave her one last look filled with contempt before slamming the door as he left the room. Athena fell onto the bed, letting out all the air held in her lungs, and tried to calm down by running both hands over her face, processing everything that had just happened. She had enjoyed moments of peace when she wasn't around that bitter man, who apparently turned into a beast every time they touched on the subject of Lirio, his beloved mistress.

The girl looked at her wrist, seeing Valentino's finger marks drawn on her pale skin. She began to question whether this marriage was really a good idea, since he seemed to hate her with all his might; after all, their first encounter had not been exactly friendly.

"Athena, my dear," Soledad, Athena's nanny, entered the room worriedly. "What just happened? The shouting echoed throughout the mansion."

"Nothing, Nana." The girl fell back onto the bed, still looking at her wrist before answering. "It's just that the animal I have for a fiancé is a complete idiot."

"Did he do something to you?" The woman sat on the bed beside her. "I was very worried; the shouting was heard downstairs."

"It's because of that woman, Nana, his mistress," she sighed and ran a hand over her face. "Is it my fault that Clodan hates that woman and didn't take her as a daughter-in-law? That guy has no brain; he simply wants to take out all his hatred on me no matter what."

"My dear, I think it would be best to talk to your parents and cancel the wedding; this won't end well," the woman advised, and Athena immediately raised her head, frowning as she looked at her.

"Do you think I'll give him that satisfaction, Nana?" she asked in bewilderment. "No one is going to impose rules on me, much less walk all over me because of some mistress. I'm staying here, and I'm going to marry him even if he doesn't want to; I won't give them the satisfaction." Her nanny sighed, knowing that with the simple look full of determination, Athena would not back down. "I'm telling you, Nana, Valentino Rizzo will know who Athena Volkova is, I swear."

The next morning, Athena, tired of the monotonous routine in the mansion where she spent most of her time alone, decided to invite her friend over to share a soda in the living room and chat.

While Layla was engrossed in her phone, swiping her finger across the screen, Athena calmly filed her nails, occasionally looking at her friend who seemed more interested in chatting than paying attention to her. However, Athena finally broke the silence.

"Last night I had an argument with Valentino," she confided, and Layla immediately looked up. "Again, because of that woman named Lirio," she let out a sigh of disinterest.

"Doesn't that guy ever get tired?" Layla exclaimed with discontent. "What's the problem? It's just a marriage by contract; no one is stopping him from keeping that woman with him."

"It's because his father complained to him, since he didn't want to grant me the place that belongs to me in this mansion." Athena yawned, then looked at her friend. "Do you think I should have canceled everything? This is getting a bit boring."

"I already told you, you should talk to your parents. If I were you, I wouldn't put up with that bitter guy; he can keep his mistress and his factory can fall apart. After all, it's not your problem," she commented, shrugging.

Athena smiled broadly, shaking her head, and her friend looked at her with narrowed eyes, recognizing that malicious laugh as a sign that she was planning something, although Athena did not reveal her plans, and Layla chose not to waste time asking her questions.

At that precise moment, the main door opened, breaking the tranquility of the two young women enjoying their space. Two unwanted presences made their entrance: Valentino, who had just arrived from the company, accompanied by Lirio Moretti, who was holding his arm with a triumphant smile on her face.

"How are things going with your 'friend,' Layla?" Athena suddenly asked, ignoring the newcomers. "You haven't told me anything since we arrived."

"Oh, about that..."

"Apparently, your parents didn't teach you good manners," Valentino cut in, interrupting the conversation. "Can't you see that we just arrived?"

"And what do you want, for me to kiss your feet or something?" Athena inquired without looking up from her nails. "Do what you have to do and leave us alone, is that too much to ask?"

"You're still an arrogant and ill-mannered brat," her fiancé replied coldly. "Lirio will stay for dinner tonight."

"Perfect." This time, Athena looked up with a smile on her lips. "I think that's excellent, because it seems that Miss Lirio has quite limited resources to afford the luxury of tasting the exquisite dishes prepared in this splendid mansion. My parents taught me to help others."

"Valentino, I think it would be better if I left..." Lirio murmured in a low tone, lightly squeezing Valentino's arm as if she were embarrassed.

"No, you're not going anywhere; this is my mansion," he dictated, wrapping his arm around her as Lirio discreetly smiled. Layla exchanged glances with Athena, who maintained an impassive expression. "Athena, you'd better treat Lirio with respect; even though you will be my wife, she is the woman I want."

"I know, darling, I know," she sighed in response. "Isn't it charming? The mistress and the future wife under the same roof and at the same table; I only used to see those things on soap operas." She laughed maliciously, while her friend felt like letting out all the curses stuck in her throat. "Alright, as far as I'm concerned, go ahead, I have no problem with that; after all, the mistress will only be that, a mistress."

"Valentino, my love," Lirio spoke to him in a sweet and apparently calm voice, although he looked noticeably disgusted. "Why don't we go to your room? You must be a bit tired; I'll give you a massage."

"Of course," he replied, turning to her, taking her face in his hands, and kissing her on the lips in front of Athena and Layla. "Come on, I want you to rest too."

Thus, Valentino retreated upstairs, giving Athena a harsh look before disappearing from her sight. Once both of them were gone, Layla put down her phone and stood up, heading towards her friend. She grabbed her arm tightly and looked her in the eyes.

"We are getting out of this shit," she said severely. "Are you going to tolerate these humiliations from that man? Look at what he just did in front of us: he brings his mistress here, says she'll stay for dinner, kisses her in front of his fiancée, and now takes her to his room, surely to do I don't know what kind of filth. I can't let you stay here."

"Don't give it so much importance," she pulled away from his grip, sighing. "Don't you know me, Layla? Do you think something like that even tickles me? Let them be; they're laughing now, and later it will be me."

"You really are hopeless, Ate." Her friend ran a hand through her straight hair in frustration. "If I were in your place, I would have poisoned both of them. Those damn people are doing this on purpose."

"What can I tell you, I'm not a complicated woman who wastes her valuable energy on insignificant things like that."

"Hey," Layla looked at her with interest. "Why don't we go to the pool?"

"What's that all about?"

"The weather is good for getting a tan. You've been spending all this time looking at your wedding preparations and putting up with that idiot, and I've been busy with some work stuff. We deserve to relax," she proposed, approaching her while giving a crooked smile. "Besides, show that cockroach that you're not going to give up."

"Good idea." Athena smiled with complicity. "Let's go, I need a relaxing massage."

The decision made, both women excitedly went upstairs and entered the room in search of their bikinis to enjoy the sun by the pool. Athena chose a rather revealing two-piece set, just like her friend Layla, who chose a yellow one. Athena, for her part, opted for a red bikini, modern and simple. Both sets had triangle-shaped tops that highlighted their figures, and the high-cut bottoms elegantly and boldly revealed the curve of their hips.

Once ready, they wrapped themselves in sarongs and headed for the pool. There, they ordered some refreshing drinks that were placed on small tables next to each lounge chair. In addition, they requested sunscreen and sunglasses to fully enjoy the day.

"Scott, please apply the sunscreen on my body," Athena kindly requested to one of her subordinates present.

The man, pleased, proceeded to carry out the order. Athena lay on her back on the lounge chair, her head slightly tilted to receive the sun, while Scott rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to gently apply the cream to his hands and spread it on Athena's back.

She smiled maliciously, while her friend was engrossed in reading a magazine with her sunglasses on, enjoying a fruit juice. On the other hand, Athena was aware that, in the distance, through one of the mansion's windows, other eyes were watching her.

"Please, spread it all over my back and also on my legs," she instructed him, noticing Valentino standing near the window of his room, watching her as he brought a glass of liquor to his lips.

Scott, following Athena's instructions, began to apply the sunscreen all over her body, delicately massaging her bare back, as well as her legs and thighs. He made circular movements, relaxing every muscle while Athena let herself go and kept her eyes fixed on the window. The male silhouette of Valentino continued to watch her closely, his jaw clenched tightly and anger silently consuming him.

"What are you planning, you bitch?" her friend asked her, who noticed her intentions. "Do you want to make a man who hates you jealous? Don't waste your time, believe me."

"Only I know what I'm doing," she replied calmly, as the man continued with his work. "I want him to be filled with rage, to see another man touch the body of his future wife, and not out of jealousy, but out of pride. My intention is to hit his ego directly. To make him realize that nothing he does with his mistress affects me at all."

"What a way," her friend murmured without giving it much importance.

Valentino went up to his room with Lirio and took off his jacket, leaving it on the bed. Meanwhile, she sat down on one of the sofas, hiding her anger and annoyance after receiving unpleasant comments from Athena. Despite wanting to express her truths directly to her, she chose to restrain herself, showing an image of fragility and helplessness to Valentino.

"Are you okay?" she asked Valentino, approaching him. "That woman is very rude; she only says all that to annoy me because she doesn't want me to be here with you."

"Don't give it any importance. I already made it clear to her that the woman I want is you," he replied, caressing her cheek, but then he moved away to pour himself a drink.

"Won't your father be upset by my presence tonight?" she inquired cautiously.

"It's most likely, but I don't care," he said coldly, approaching the window of his room to look at the garden. "I talked to him and told him I would be willing to marry that woman if she didn't meddle with you or try to drive you away."

"Thank you very much, my love." She smiled broadly and hugged him from behind. "I just want all this to end so we can finally be together, as we've wanted all along."

"Yes... me too," he replied, lost in his thoughts, without giving it much importance.

At that moment, he saw two women heading to the pool, and he noticed how they settled on the lounge chairs, ordering drinks, putting on sunglasses, and requesting sunscreen to get a tan. However, his eyes were especially focused on a small figure with fair skin, dark hair, and a perfectly shaped body, like a model's. The perfect curves, a large and round behind, and breasts that were outlined through the red bikini, caught his attention.

He frowned when he realized that it was her, his fiancée, who smilingly requested the attention of one of the men present to apply sunscreen on her practically naked body, since she only covered the essential areas with two layers of fabric.

He felt disgusted, because he was unable to stand her arrogant behavior, especially when trying to get involved with Lirio, he thought.

His frown deepened even more when he saw a man deliberately massaging his fiancée's body, running his hands over her bare back and legs, touching every inch of her skin as if he were not touching the body of his future wife. What bothered him most was Athena's shameless smile, as if she were enjoying the situation, not knowing that she was only enjoying him watching her from a distance.

"Is something wrong, Valentino?" Lirio asked him, noticing his unusual silence.

"Yes, a lot is wrong right now," he replied, putting the glass of liquor aside and freeing himself from Lirio's grip to leave.

"Where are you going?" she inquired, surprised, but he had already left the room, annoyed. She couldn't understand it until she looked out the window and saw Athena, in the distance by the pool, with that man who was massaging her in an inappropriate way.

The brunette clenched her fists in rage and left the room to follow Valentino, aware that he would surely cause a scandal because of Athena's brazen behavior in the mansion.