Julian took a step back. The color drained from his face by degrees.
For a moment, he couldn't find a single word.
"…I was wrong, Vivi." He looked utterly lost, his voice taking on a pleading edge. "Eleanor Whitfield has lost everything, her reputation, her freedom, everything. She's as good as finished. And your father, I made sure his name was cleared. I did that. After you left, I finally understood what I actually felt. It's you, Vivi. It's always been you. Come back with me, please."
He had believed, somewhere in the back of his mind, that saying it plainly would be enough to reach her. That she would turn around.
She glanced at him once. Then she turned and walked away.
"I have work to do. Please don't disturb me."
Her figure grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared entire
