e like a museum than a home. She wasn't reading. She was searching. Her profession as an antique restorer had trained her

at the objects; she was analyzing Corbin's choices. A Roman bust with questionable provenance sat next to a flawl

a slight discoloration in the wood near the base of a leg. A masterful repair, almost invisible. But

the decor?" a

Corbin was standing there, watching her. He

posure. "It's a fake. A very good one, from the late

t entered his eyes. He walked over to the desk, r

at auction for seve

ear replaced by professional confidence. "The man who made this was a genius, but he used

ence stretching. He wasn'

l of surpris

appraised," she sa

t to touch her, but to block her path. "Just like I know about the appointment yo

t of her, replaced by ice

ation," she said

a copy of her medical file. Illegally obtained, no doubt. "A confirmation of

leaving her face. He took a step close

vibration that resonated in her chest. "Was a mist

d touch her. Instead, he picked up a heavy, leather-bound legal

he said. "And a custody contract. M

ument, then up at him, h

a more stable image. A wife and an heir would solve that problem. You need protection and fin

. He was executing

o a whisper. "That child is a Heat

d between the desk and the crushing