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

they had lost ground and soon found themselves

she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of

away! In our line of work, winner takes all. It’s your bad luck running into me today! If

speechless. She had walked into a

up for her at the Hawthorn family banquet,

was certainly

you hadn’t tricked me, why would I be here with

it, the angrier she

grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends had too much to drink, so she and three others went over without a second

out, it was a trap set by David,

one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not

take on so many people? So, she ran!

with the chit chat! You put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time, you’re leaving

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

eyes lighting up.

Don’t drag innocent people into our mess. We’ll settle

away from Vivienne, thought for

a sigh of relief,

then, in a whisper that only Vivienne could hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he

Vivienne was speechless.

like that, she was suddenly involved in their

at the Hawthorn’s, she figured she could

and took off.

sighed in relief. The Redwood family

to run. If she

Even though the other side had twenty people, they were four. They could

herself, “You’d better get here fast, or you won’t have anyone left to look after

herself for the fight, Vivienne

“What are you doing back

her mind? Couldn’t she

already left, why come

importantly, with Vivienne back, who would get her

much were the medical bills for your

was taken aback, “Three grand!”