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 a beat, grabbed Vivienne

delay, they had lost ground

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

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

left speechless. She had walked

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

was certainly

hadn’t tricked me, why would I be here with only three people?”

she thought about it, the angrier she got!

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

it was a trap set by David, and

he couldn’t beat

supposed to take on so many people? So, she

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

feud is our problem. She’s

his eyes

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

thought for a moment, and

sigh of relief,

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

Vivienne was speechless.

in their dispute, and now

the Hawthorn’s, she

and took

go, Charlotte sighed in relief. The Redwood family wasn’t far, about a five–minute drive.

option right now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was quick, she could make it

confident in her abilities. Even though the other side had twenty

fast,

bracing herself for the fight, Vivienne suddenly

are you doing

mind? Couldn’t she see what was

already left, why

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

responding, Vivienne walked up to David, “How much were the medical bills for your

taken aback, “Three