The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 22

"I'm Victoria's husband."

Osborn's expression faltered for a split second before a sly, almost mocking smile tugged at his lips as he shook McNeil's hand.

The handshake was firm-too firm. Both men could feel the unspoken hostility in the pressure of each other's grip.

"Osborn. Vicky's—” he paused, gaze flicking to Victoria, "old friend from university."

Osborn didn't bother hiding the way he sized McNeil up, his look openly challenging, bordering on provocative.

"So you're the mysterious husband Vicky's been hiding all this time? Did you two really get married, or is that just another smoke screen you cooked up, Vicky?"

Victoria lowered her gaze, the shadow of a bitter smile twisting her lips. Of course. Everyone her friends, her family-all knew about her so-called "secret" marriage.

But in McNeil's world, no one really knew Victoria at all.

"Secret marriage? That's not quite right," McNeil replied, utterly unruffled. He laced his fingers with Victoria's, as if making a statement for all to see. Victoria tried to pull away, almost recoiling from his touch, but his grip was unyielding. With Osborn right there, she didn't want to make a scene, so she let him hold on.

side. Our marriage is ready to be public, whenever she

embarrassment in McNeil's voice-just blunt honesty, especially with this would-be rival standing right in front of

read the meaning

had never mentioned

again, she'd never mentioned anyone else in his presence. In six years of marriage, their conversations had revolved almost exclusively

at Victoria, his voice unexpectedly gentle, a husband doting on his wife. “Have you eaten? It's cold here in Echo

a faint, derisive chuckle

"Vicky-"

Victoria cut him off, making it clear she didn't need anyone to speak up for

flown all this way to find her,

of marriage, she knew: McNeil never gave up until he got what he

to his car. He pushed her into the back seat, closed

faint orange glow from a

"Victoria, you're something else."

for over two weeks, scouring every place she might have gone. He'd even visited the

so close she could hear the