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

looked back to see the others catching up, and without

lost ground and

she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called back up because you knew you can’t beat me, huh? Real manly of

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

She had

had spoken up for her at the Hawthorn family banquet, from

certainly a surprise.

tricked me, why would I be here with

it, the angrier she

friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends had too

set

that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t

supposed to take on so many people? So, she

time.

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

at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She was

innocent people into our mess. We’ll settle our own scores!”

away from Vivienne, thought for a moment,

relief,

to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll be looking at my corpse tomorrow.”

Vivienne was speechless.

suddenly involved in their dispute, and now she was a

stood up for her at the Hawthorn’s, she figured she could help her

nodded and

Redwood family

to run. If she was quick, she could make

side had twenty people, they were four. They

fast, or you won’t have

herself for

“What are you doing

Couldn’t she see what was

already left, why come back?

more importantly, with Vivienne back, who would get her message

to David, “How much were the medical bills for

aback, “Three grand!”