Chapter 2: "I'm Here for My Wife."
Chapter 2: "I'm Here for My Wife."
At exactly 8:41 p.m., a black Bentley pulled to the curb outside The Imperial Room.
The valet hurried forward.
The rear passenger door opened.
A man stepped out.
He wore a charcoal-gray suit without a single wrinkle, black leather gloves, and a silver watch so understated that only people with extraordinary wealth recognized its value.
He was tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Calm.
Nothing about him demanded attention.
Yet everyone outside instinctively moved aside.
The valet reached for the keys.
The stranger handed them over without speaking.
"Good evening, sir."
The man gave a slight nod.
Then walked toward the entrance.
Inside, Manager David looked up.
"Welcome to The Imperial Room. Do you have a reservation?"
The stranger removed one glove.
"No."
"I'm afraid we're fully booked."
The man looked around the dining room once.
His eyes settled on Anna.
She was carrying a tray toward another table.
For the first time that evening, the calm expression on his face shifted.
Not to anger.
To disappointment.
He looked back at David.
"I'm here for my wife."
The words were spoken quietly.
Yet they spread through the restaurant faster than a scream.
David blinked.
"Your... wife?"
The man nodded toward Anna.
"My wife."
Every employee turned.
Madison covered her mouth.
Chef Marco looked relieved.
At table twelve, Preston laughed.
"The waitress?"
Bryce grinned.
"Didn't see that coming."
Victor Kane slowly walked across the dining room.
Anna finally noticed him.
For one brief second, her professional mask disappeared.
"You came."
"I was nearby."
"You weren't."
"No."
A tiny smile appeared.
"You called."
"I didn't."
"You don't have to."
He gently touched the damp sleeve of her uniform.
His fingers paused.
"Coca-Cola?"
Anna nodded once.
"It'll wash out."
Victor looked down at the stain.
Then at the puddle still visible beside table twelve.
Then at the young men laughing.
He asked only one question.
"Which one?"
Anna hesitated.
"It doesn't matter."
"It matters to me."
She sighed.
"The one in the navy jacket."
Victor turned.
His eyes met Preston's.
The room became impossibly quiet.
For several long seconds, neither man spoke.
Finally Preston raised his glass.
"What?"
Victor answered in a voice so calm it was almost unsettling.
May you like
"You've had your fun."
Now it's my turn.
