"Vincent Moretti promised his pregnant wife he would come back for her after their private jet made a terrifying emergency landing. But he took his first love to safety first—and moments later, the aircraft exploded before Anna emerged. For three years, Vincent believed he had buried his wife and unborn child… until one crowded gala changed everything.

Vincent sat in his dark study, bottles of scotch littering the table. But he wasn't drinking anymore. His mind was razor-sharp, fueled by a new, dangerous suspicion.

If Anna survived through the rear exit, how did the medical examiner get DNA to declare her dead? Why were the hospital records in Zurich sealed under an elite shell company?

"Marcus," Vincent said into his phone. "I want the medical examiner who signed Anna’s death certificate three years ago. Bring him to my private warehouse in Cicero. Tonight."

Two hours later.

In a dimly lit industrial warehouse, Dr. Robert Vance, a retired city coroner, was sitting on a cold chair, sweating profusely despite the chill. Vincent stood in front of him, looming like a grim reaper.

"Mr. Moretti, please! I don't know what you're talking about!" Vance stammered.

Vincent tossed a thick leather folder onto the table in front of him. "Three million dollars was deposited into an offshore account in the Cayman Islands registered to your wife’s maiden name two days after my plane crashed. Who paid you to forge Anna Moretti’s dental records?"

Vance shook like a leaf. "I... I can't... they'll kill me..."

Vincent leaned down, his face inches from the doctor's. "I own the judges, the police, and the morgues in this city, Vance. You answer me, or you disappear tonight."

"It was a woman!" Vance sobbed. "She approached me before the wreckage was even fully cooled! She gave me a lock of hair from a medical lab and a bag of cash! She said Mr. Moretti wanted the case closed immediately so he could move on!"

Vincent’s eyes turned pitch black. "What was her name?"

"I don't know her real name! She had blonde hair... blue eyes... carried a luxury handbag with a golden snake buckle..."

Vincent froze.