Meanwhile, Viviane sat alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a cup of coffee that had long gone cold. Her gaze was empty as she stared outside.
Ever since meeting with Valerie, it felt like a heavy stone had been pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" A soft, childlike voice broke the silence in the room.
Viviane turned around to see Evans standing there, his bright, clear eyes filled with concern.
She forced a small smile and shook her head. "It's nothing, sweetheart. Mommy's just a little tired."
Evans walked over and hugged her leg, rubbing his little face against her hand. "Mommy, you're sad, aren't you?"
His innocent intuition made Viviane's nose sting. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, burying her face in his soft hair, taki
