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

see the others catching up, and without missing

lost

behind her, anger flashing in her eyes as she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called

admit, I can’t take 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 you’ve got the guts, bring your own backup!” David retorted

had

main character was Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her at the Hawthorn family banquet, from the Redwood

was certainly a

hadn’t tricked me,

it, the

grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends

was a trap set by David,

that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not just one or two, but over

supposed to take on so many people? So,

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

my legs? Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it, let her go.” Charlotte

his eyes lighting up. She was

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

away from Vivienne, thought for a

out a sigh of relief, turning to

word to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll

Vivienne was speechless.

involved in their dispute,

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

and took

sighed in relief. The Redwood family

to run. If she was quick,

though the other side had twenty people, they were four. They could hold out for fifteen minutes.

better get here fast, or you won’t have

Charlotte was bracing herself for

“What are you doing

Couldn’t she

already left, why come

Vivienne back, who would

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

aback, “Three grand!”