The Vance family estate sat on a sprawling three-acre plot overlooking the city’s affluent northern hills. Once, to Clara, the towering wrought-iron gates and the imposing limestone facade had represented a legacy of hard work and prestige. Now, as her armored Maybach glided smoothly up the long, wi

Thunder rattled the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse suite, the torrential downpour outside blurring the neon skyline into streaks of weeping color. Inside, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the storm. A fire crackled warmly in the marble hearth, casting a soft, golden glow over the im

The heavy oak doors of the penthouse clicked shut, sealing out the pathetic remnants of Julian Croft’s existence. The quiet hum of the climate control and the steady drumming of the rain against the glass reclaimed the room.

Clara walked back to the living area, picking up her glass of Merlot. She