Welcome to Paradise, where the streets run red with vice and the devil's in the details. In this city of lust and crime, even the elite can't escape the darkness. Behind the gates of Paradise Place, a tucked-away suburb where the rich and powerful reside, the facade of perfection hides secrets and scandals. Drake Blanks hurried to his parents' house next door, his curiosity piqued by the urgency in his father's voice during their brief phone call.

As he entered, his mother, Beverly, welcomed him with a warm smile. "Good morning, dear," she said, receiving a gentle kiss on the cheek from Drake.

"I got a call from Dad," Drake explained. "He said it was something important." "Your father's been sulking since yesterday," Beverly said, exasperation etched on her face. "With the house renovations and your sister's antics, I'm at my wit's end."

"What's Leslie done now?" Drake asked, amusement sparkling in his eyes.

"She cut off all her beautiful hair," Beverly replied, shaking her head. "Practically bald, right before the coming-out season. Claims it's her protest against the patriarchy." Drake rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I'll talk to her after I see Dad. Don't stress about it, focus on the house." Beverly's expression softened as she touched Drake's cheek. "My dear son, what would I do without you?"

Drake knocked on the open door frame to announce his presence, and his father, Binky, looked up, momentarily startled. "Ah, Drake, come in," Binky said, collecting himself. Drake took a seat in front of the desk, concerned by his father's troubled expression. "What's wrong, Dad?" He asked.

Binky's eyes clouded. "Everything. I've made a terrible mistake, promising Anton the second ring."

Drake's expression turned thoughtful. "You had your reasons. Valerie's happiness, for one. Anton wouldn't have married her without that promise." Binky's face twisted in anguish. "But is she truly happy, Drake? My poor granddaughter is practically imprisoned while Anton parades Natasha around Paradise, humiliating our family."

"I'm her father, and I assure you, Valerie is content," Drake said. "Anton was always going to take a mistress; Natasha was no surprise, given their past engagement."

Binky's expression darkened, his eyes clouding with memories of his own mistakes. "Three Companion houses, countless professional mistresses, and he chooses her," Binky muttered. "None of this would've happened if you'd claimed Natasha for yourself." Drake's voice was firm. "Victoria is the only woman I need. I'll never take a mistress."

Binky opened his mouth to rebut him but thought better of it, shaking his head instead. "This won't do," he said finally. "The succession must stay within the family."