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Vivienne POV

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I woke up with my heart in my throat. The bed next to me was empty—no Liam. My mind went straight to the worst: had he wandered off in this giant house, or had someone taken him? I threw on a robe, my bare feet hitting the cold marble as I rushed out, whispering, “Liam? Liam, where are you?”

The mansion felt too big, too strange. Damon’s enemies, or even his friends, could see Liam as a weak spot. I wasn’t ready for him to roam free yet. Catherine had pushed for this fancy school with her son, all top security to keep the media away after they’d already put Liam’s face online. I needed him ready, dressed sharp, to fit into this new life.

I hurried through hallways, past doors hiding who-knows-what, until I bumped into a young maid in a crisp uniform. She curtsied low, almost scared. “Good morning, Madam,” she said, her voice shaky.

“Have you seen my son?” I asked, my words spilling out fast. “Liam, five years old, curly hair, probably in pajamas?”

Her eyes lit up. “O