# THE VANCE EMPIRE: A WIFE'S REVENGE

Julian didn't look at Preston again. He turned back to me, unbuttoning his bespoke suit jacket and draping it over my shivering shoulders. The scent of cedar and expensive cologne enveloped me, grounding me after the shock.

"Let's go home, Anna," he said gently, wrapping his arm securely around my waist.

He led me out of The Imperial Room. No one breathed a word as we left. We walked out to the curb where his black Bentley was idling, surrounded by four dark SUVs filled with his security detail. His driver immediately opened the door, and Julian helped me inside before sliding in next to me.

Once the doors closed, separating us from the world, the ruthless monster vanished. Julian pulled me into his lap, burying his face in my damp hair, uncaring about the sticky soda ruining his expensive shirt.

"I am so sorry I wasn't there sooner," he murmured, kissing my temple.

"Why did you come?" I asked, leaning my head against his chest. We had kept our marriage a secret at my request. I had wanted to finish my hospitality management degree and experience the industry from the ground up, without the protective, intimidating shield of the Vance name. I wanted to prove I could do it on my own.

"One of my security guards outside the restaurant didn't like the way those boys were looking at you through the window," Julian explained, his jaw tightening. "He called me. But I was still ten minutes away."

"I'm fine, Julian. Just a little sticky."

His hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear I didn't know I had shed. "You are not fine, Anna. And neither am I. What they did to you... it won't end with a canceled contract."

I looked up into his eyes and saw the dangerous fire burning within them. For the first time, I didn't want to calm him down. I had stood there and taken their abuse because I thought I was powerless. But I wasn't powerless. I was Anna Vance.

"Don't hold back," I whispered.