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

the others catching up, and without missing a beat, grabbed Vivienne and pulled

delay, they had lost ground and soon found themselves surrounded.

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

of work, winner takes all. It’s your bad

left speechless. She had walked into a

the main character was Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her

was certainly

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

thought about it, the angrier she

leaving the Hawthorn family, she was planning on grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one

a trap set by David, and

David to a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t

was she supposed to take on so many people? So,

time. This time, you’re leaving with a broken leg.

one of my legs? Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it,

glanced at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She was

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

away from Vivienne, thought for a

let out a sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne,

that only Vivienne could hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll be

Vivienne was speechless.

suddenly involved in their dispute,

at the Hawthorn’s, she figured she could help her out this

and took

go, Charlotte sighed in relief. The Redwood

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

other side had twenty people, they were four. They

here fast, or you won’t have anyone left to look after

for the fight,

you

out of her mind? Couldn’t she see what was going on?

already left, why

with Vivienne back, who would get her message to

much were

was taken aback, “Three