Chapter 20: The Invitation

The global art community had not seen a frenzy like this in half a century.

From Paris to London, Tokyo to New York, the whispers had grown into a deafening roar.

L'Ombre, the elusive "Shadow" of Montmartre whose identity remained shrouded in absolute secrecy, was leavi

Chapter 21: The Return

The wheels of Alistair Vance’s Gulfstream touched the wet runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport shortly after sunset.

Freezing rain covered the tarmac, transforming the terminal lights into trembling reflections of blue and gold.

Evelyn sat beside the window.

Man

Chapter 22: The Trap is Sprung

By 7:45 PM on Friday, the street outside the Chelsea Foundry was completely gridlocked.

Black luxury sedans and sports cars lined the wet pavement, their exhaust pipes sending white plumes of steam into the chilly air.

A massive crowd of onlookers, art students, and