The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival’s face darkened.

Vivienne picked up the note, her icy eyes narrowing slightly. “Where did you find this?”

With a sigh, Flynn replied, “When I woke up this morning, it was on my nightstand. Imogen and I saw it straight away.”

Cecilia was visibly shaken. “Our security system is state-of-the-art. There were no signs of a break-in last night. How could someone have slipped a knife under our noses? It’s absolutely terrifying.”

After a pause, Cecilia shot a hesitant glance at Imogen. “I don’t mean anything by it. I’m just curious… Any chance your ex might be lurking around Rivenwood?”

Imogen dabbed at her eyes. “Cecilia, Flynn was my first love. I never had a boyfriend before him, and few guys were interested in me. Even if there were, they’re all abroad now. I have no clue what this note means.”

Flynn pulled Imogen into his arms, soothing her with gentle strokes on her back. “I know it’s not you. Stop crying.”

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Cecilia offered her a tissue, joining Flynn in comforting her.

Vivienne handed the note to Percival.

They all knew that this note was asking for Belle.

Clearly, someone was getting impatient.

Belle, undoubtedly, was harboring secrets.

For some time now, Vivienne had kept Belle hidden in a place no one would suspect without pressing her for information.

After all, she already knew what she needed to know. Except for the information about the boss of GTO!

But Vivienne was in no rush. The guy would slip up when the time was right.

“I’ll handle this,” Percival said, tucking the note away and giving Isolde, who was still in his arms, a reassuring hug. The child’s face had turned pale with fear.

Percival upgraded the Ellington family’s security to the highest level, changed all the locks, and reinforced the windows and all other potential entry points.

fly could sneak in

Flynn left her with Cecilia and Vivienne, then joined Percival and

to ponder the audacity of leaving a knife by someone’s

have offended anyone. The culprit

all good on your

“Yeah,” Percival responded.

could it be a corporate

scoffed. “Unlikely. The note spoke of giving back someone, and the Ellington family haven’t taken anyone. It seems someone’s got their sights on

his cane, signaling his point

if anyone was stirring

affairs, Richard was aware that his

a knife was planted at the Ellington Mansion, Richard already discovered that Percival had done

never expected the danger to

“Don’t worry,

Richard pressed no further.

…

in the

Imogen’s cheeks. The shock

was not surprising, though. Anyone who wakes to

someone as naturally timid as

shoulder. Imogen flinched, then quickly apologized, “Sorry, Vivienne, I’m just really

Let me help you relax,” Vivienne

one side, allowing

eased Imogen’s fear, who said with gratitude, “Vivienne, you’re

gaze lingering on Imogen’s glossy hair. “Your hair is really

of it for me. I don’t cut it much. After every wash, he applies

wonder you cherish your hair so much. Isolde says you’re always brushing it. It’s taken care of so well that you don’t

“but the frequent brushing makes it less noticeable.” She then turned to Vivienne, concern returning

reassured Imogen with a smile, then caught

Flynn chose the design. Though the tiger is a bit intimidating, I thought it looked

the tattoo

to the one she