After the birthday party, Vivian quietly shuttled between the company and home, harboring no other thoughts.Or perhaps she temporarily had none—or maybe it was the calm before the storm.The servants silently served dinner and retreated without daring to lift their heads.Vivian ate gracefully, but before she'd taken more than a few bites, commotion erupted from the courtyard.Mr. Wilson had returned.She dabbed her mouth with a napkin, stood up, and walked outside to greet him.However, she keenly noticed that Mr. Wilson seemed to be in a foul mood, his expression as dark as storm clouds.Vivian hesitated, calling out somewhat anxiously, "Grandfather, you—"Before she could finish, Mr. Wilson strode over and slapped her face without mercy.The sharp crack echoed as Vivian clutched her cheek, staring at him in disbelief.Mr. Wilson, thinking of what Zachary had mentioned, flew into a rage. "Come to the study with me," he said coldly.Vivian had no idea why she'd been struck
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