The heavy double doors crashed against the library walls with a sound like thunder, rattling the crystal lamps on the high ceiling.

Victoria Vane sat behind the massive oak desk at the end of the room, her hand frozen in midair. Her shiny gold fountain pen hovered just two inches above the crisp white paper of the final deed of sale.

Two wealthy real estate buyers and three high-priced lawyers sat in leather chairs across from the desk. They all jumped out of their seats in pure shock, their faces turning completely pale as the sudden bang echoed through the grand room.

Victoria raised her chin slowly, her cold grey...