# THE VANCE EMPIRE: A WIFE'S REVENGE

Later that night, long after the last guest had left and the restaurant was closed, Julian and I stood on the rooftop terrace of our penthouse, looking out over the glittering skyline of Chicago.

The wind was cool, but Julian’s arms around me provided all the warmth I needed.

"You did beautifully tonight," he murmured against my neck, leaving a soft trail of kisses. "The Sovereign is going to be an empire of its own."

"It's just the beginning," I agreed, turning in his arms to wrap my hands around his neck. "I learned from the best."

"Did you?" He smiled, that rare, genuine smile that he reserved only for me. His eyes, usually so cold and terrifying to the rest of the world, were filled with boundless love and devotion.

"Yes. But I think I prefer building things up rather than tearing them down."

Julian chuckled softly, pulling me flush against him. "Someone has to be the ruthless one, Anna. Let me handle the monsters in the dark. You just keep shining."

I leaned up and kissed him, tasting the champagne and the promise of a future where we were completely unstoppable. The city of Chicago sprawled out below us, bright and alive, but to Julian and me, it wasn't just a city anymore.

It was our kingdom. And we ruled it together.