The ringing in Clara Vance’s ears was a high, continuous screech, drowning out the chaos that had consumed the grand ballroom. The air was thick with the acrid stench of cordite, shattered crystal, and the unmistakable, metallic tang of blood.

Victor’s blood.

He lay motionless across her lap, hi

*Six months later.*

The sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the corner office was blindingly bright, casting sharp, golden geometric shadows across the vast expanse of the drafting table.

Clara Vance stood over the sprawling architectural blueprints, a steaming cup of decaf