We see a short glimpse of Jackie's life both as a child and adult before a horrific accident almost takes her life. At that point we are catapulted back in time to the late 19th century.

It is France, 1889, and Clarice, Jackie's great grandmother, is nine years old. A series of events change the course of young Clarice's life. Betrayal and intrigue surround the murder of Clarice's very rich grandmother in Paris, and shortly thereafter, a mysterious explosion on the train taking them to their summer home kills her parents. She is hunted by the men responsible and who, believing part of the fortune still exists in Switzerland, are determined to take everything.

Leaving the orphanage at eighteen, Clarice is bent on revenge. Who murdered her family and why? Who can she trust? Pulled into the seamy side of Paris's nightlife and risking her soul, she falters and later seeks redemption. Along the way, she falls in love with the one man who holds the key to the mystery.