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The day they let her out, she couldn't even stand up straight.

Damien was waiting at the entrance.

"Why do you look like that?"

In just a few days, her face had hollowed out. Her coloring was gone. But nothing on her was visibly wounded.

She didn't answer. She just stood there, silent, like a puppet with the strings cut.

Something twisted in his chest.

"She's putting on a show, obviously. She wants you to feel bad." Vivienne climbed out of the car, smiling.

Damien frowned. His mouth opened to say something. His phone buzzed. He remembered.

"Vivienne's birthday party is tonight. Clean up. You're coming."

No waiting for an answer. He pulled her into the car.

She didn't resist.

The timing was set. The plan was in motion. Her mother and her brother should already be moved by Nathaniel. She was the last piece. One more performance.