 An American art appraiser, Patrick Donovan, is sent to Venice to evaluate three paintings belonging to the famous Galleria dell Accademia. The company that insures the paintings has hired Donovan s employer, the International Center for Art Authentication, to verify that two Bellini canvases as well as the crown jewel of the museum s collection - Giorgione s  La Tempesta  - are originals. Donovan contacts Allart van Beuningen, the director of the Accademia Museum, examines the two Bellinis and confirms that they are authentic. But before he can check  La Tempesta , with floodwaters rising and the Galleria closed to the public, the painting is stolen by assailants who attack Donovan and Van Beuningen s beautiful adopted daughter, Chiara, a professional art restorer who works at the Museum. When the painting gets stolen, Donovan has to turn into a detective in order to try to track down the thief and recover the canvas. Soon Donovan s investigations reveal a sophisticated forgery operation in which he finds himself deeply involved when he falls under the charm of Chiara, a talented artist with a dark side. Forgery, deceit, murder and betrayal ensue at a hectic pace......