Chapter 181

Vivienne’s morning was sharp and biting. The sunlight filtered weakly through the sheer drapes, doing little to chase away the chill in the air—or her mood. Standing by her vanity, she adjusted the silk robe slipping off one shoulder, her sharp eyes fixed on her reflection. Her manicured nails tapped a steady rhythm against the polished wood, each click marking her growing irritation.

“Becca, this