The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 40

Vivienne and Isolde were munching on cake when they finally decided on where to eat dinner.

They went for French cuisine!

Given that Isolde was a kid, they ordered some dishes on the lighter side.

By the time they finished dinner, it was already eleven o’clock. Isolde was feeling a bit tired and wanted to head back to get some sleep.

Percival suggested that Thomas should give Vivienne a ride home, but Vivienne refused.

She wanted to take a stroll around the city alone.

Living up in the mountains for a decade, she didn’t get to experience the hustle and bustle of city life. Even on the rare occasions she came down to the city, she would always finish the business, and then head straight back.

The weather was quite nice today, with a cool breeze that made her feel super comfy.

Percival insisted on escorting her home, but Vivienne was adamant about going alone.

In the end, Percival caved in, only reminding her, “Send me a text when you get home, just so I know you’re safe.”

“Alright.”

Thanks to spending the day with Isolde and the delicious strawberry cake, Vivienne was starting to warm up to Percival. She wasn’t as frosty as before and even managed a small smile.

After Percival and the others left, Vivienne started to make her way home.

Tranquil Estates was close to downtown. It was no more than a fifteen–minute stroll.

But Vivienne took her time, taking in the sights of the bustling city.

Halfway home, she was jolted out of her thoughts by frantic shouts from behind her, “Outta the way! Outta the way!

Vivienne turned around to see a group of people running towards her, with another group of stick–wielding folks hot on their heels.

When she caught sight of the person in the lead, she couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Well, look who it is!

As they ran up to her, the lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in surprise, “Miss Vivienne?”

9

Vivienne could respond, the person looked back to see the others catching up, and without missing a beat, grabbed Vivienne and

had lost ground and soon found themselves surrounded.

twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called back up because you knew you can’t beat

take you on! But don’t think you can just run away! In our line of work, winner takes all. It’s your bad luck running into me today! If you’ve got the

She had walked

was Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her at

certainly a surprise.

tricked me,

it, the

planning on grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends had too

a trap set

had challenged David to a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not

on

put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time, you’re leaving with a

She’s got nothing to do with it, let her

glanced at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She was

eyes, disgusted. “We have rules. Don’t drag innocent people into our mess. We’ll settle our own scores!”

Vivienne, thought for a moment,

out a sigh of relief, turning to

the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll

Vivienne was speechless.

in their dispute, and now she

up for her at the Hawthorn’s, she figured

nodded and

Charlotte sighed in relief. The Redwood family

had to run. If she was quick, she could make

other side had twenty people, they were four. They could hold out for

here fast, or you won’t have anyone left

Charlotte was bracing herself for the fight, Vivienne suddenly

“What are you doing back

her mind? Couldn’t she see what was going

left, why

more importantly, with Vivienne back, who would get her message to the Redwoods!

walked up to David, “How much were the medical bills

was taken aback,