Chapter 13

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 h

Chapter 14

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 o