The picture is based on the real story of the murder of New York architect Stanford White in 1906 and his connection with the famous dancer Evelyn Nesbit. This case was mentioned in a variety of publications, whole books and even plays were written, as well as several movies were shot. The story is based on a real story from the criminal chronicle of the beginning of the last century. Chabrol changed the names, profession of heroes and added some details. Elderly writer Charles San Denis (François Berlean) lives with his wife and mistress-agent. Women get on well with each other. He visits a closed club, where for the rich are arranged different orgies. San Denis suddenly flares up with a passion for young TV presenter Gabrielle (Ludivine Sagnier). That in return seriously falls in love and begins to wait for San Deni to divorce and marry her. Along the way, she tortures her young admirer, the pampered millionaire Paul.