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Sterling Mansion,
Simran placed the plates on the dining table with a clatter, causing Vivienne to jolt out of her thoughts. "Mistress, why do you seem out of it today? Your mind seems preoccupied with something!" The maid's words snapped Vivienne back to reality.
Vivienne rubbed her temples, trying to rid herself of the pounding headache that had been nagging her all morning. "Hmmm, I don't know. It's just a personal problem," she replied with a sigh. "Simran, I've told you before not to call me that," Vivienne said, her voice laced with frustration.
Two days had passed since her conversation with Lucien in the bustling Nova Plaza. Vivienne couldn't shake off the guilt she felt over the two injured girls she had witnessed that day. She had visited them in the hospital and was relieved to see that they were out of danger. It was a small comfort in the midst of her overwhelming emotions.