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

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

lost ground and soon found themselves surrounded.

her eyes as she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front

work, winner takes all. It’s your bad luck running into me today! If you’ve got the guts, bring your own backup!” David retorted

had walked into a

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

certainly

direction, “If you hadn’t tricked me, why would I be here

about it, the

family, she was planning on 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

set by David, and

had challenged David to a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he

supposed to take on so

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

of my legs? Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to

glanced at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She

rolled her eyes, disgusted. “We have rules. Don’t drag innocent people into our

gaze away from Vivienne, thought for a

sigh of relief,

family for

Vivienne was speechless.

their dispute, and now she

Hawthorn’s, she figured she could help

and took off.

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

was confident in her abilities. Even though the other side had twenty people, they were

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

herself for the fight,

frowned, “What are you doing

her mind? Couldn’t she see what was going

left, why come back?

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

of responding, Vivienne walked up to David, “How much were

aback,