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?”

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

they had lost

in her eyes as she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called back up because you

winner takes all. It’s your bad luck running into me

had walked into a street fight?

who had spoken up for her at

was certainly

tricked me, why would I

thought about it, the angrier she

But then someone came saying one of her friends

a trap set

he couldn’t beat her – and

to take on so

put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time,

our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it, let her go.” Charlotte pointed at Vivienne.

Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She was beautiful!

rules. Don’t drag innocent people

tore his gaze away from Vivienne, thought for a moment,

out a sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne, “Go, now.”

hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for

Vivienne was speechless.

their dispute, and now she was a

stood up for her at the Hawthorn’s,

and took off.

Charlotte sighed in relief. The Redwood family wasn’t far, about a five–minute

hailing a cab wasn’t really an option right now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was quick, she could make it in ten

confident in her abilities. Even though the other side had twenty people, they were four. They could hold out for fifteen

muttered to herself, “You’d better get here fast, or you won’t have

for the fight, Vivienne suddenly

“What are you doing back

out of her mind? Couldn’t she see

left, why come

who would get her message to

up to David, “How much

was taken aback,