Chapter One The Encounter Away from the city lights, the New York mansion glowed warmly against the darkness of the evening. Inside, a fire crackled in the marble fireplace, casting a soft golden light across the vast hall. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their delicate prisms scattering reflections across polished floors and gleaming mahogany furniture. The scent of cedar wood drifted through the air, blending with subtle notes of vanilla and sandalwood.
