The echo of the heavy oak cathedral doors slamming shut resonated through the vaulted ceiling, a booming note of finality that swallowed the last of Desmond Vance’s pathetic screams.

For a long, suspended moment, the cathedral was entirely silent. The only sound was the low, electric hum of the br

The executive penthouse of Croft Industries smelled exactly as it had three years ago: a sharp, intoxicating blend of ozone, expensive leather, and absolute power.

Vivienne Croft sat behind the massive, monolithic slab of obsidian that served as the CEO’s desk. She ran her fingertips over the cool