Vivienne stood frozen, her chest tight, her eyes darting between André and Madame Lefevre. She thought to herself, what the hell is with him? I thought he was in love with me. Why isn't he taking my side? What the fuck is this? What the fuck is happening?
Her stomach twisted. For once, she was speechless.
Madame Lefevre, meanwhile, was starting to breathe again. Relief slowly melted into her face. Finally, she thought, finally His Grace is seeing sense. Finally, he is not blinded by this cursed girl. She straightened her back and tried to calm her shaking hands. Her voice wobbled a little, but she managed, "Thank you, Your Grace—"
But André cut her off. "You are right to fire her."
The room went silent. Madame Lefevre blinked, her heart stopping, not quite believing what she just heard. Vivienne's mouth dropped open. Her jaw nearly hit the floor.
