The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At that moment, Nathan and Cecilia returned home with Isolde, who was just back from school.

“We were picking up Isolde when a car crash happened right outside the daycare. In the chaos, some thug tried to snatch her. If it weren’t for the bodyguard Flynn arranged for us, they might have taken our baby girl.”

Cecilia was pale, sitting on the couch, still visibly shaken from the ordeal.

Isolde did not speak; she was nestled in Nathan’s arms, her tear-streaked face buried in his chest.

Flynn’s heart skipped a beat. “Nobody got hurt, right?”

Nathan shook his head. “No, thanks to the bodyguard you arranged. But Isolde’s been scared out of her wits. The bracelet she cherished was snatched, and they nearly took her too.”

“Something’s not right,” Flynn said, standing up and pacing the living room. “They were undoubtedly targeting Isolde!”

Isolde flinched at his words, and Cecilia gasped, “Flynn, what are you saying?”

“With Percival and Vivienne still missing, and considering recent events…” Flynn pressed his lips, then turned to Richard. “Dad, I think you should go abroad with them. I’ll let you know once I have news about Percival and Vivienne.”

Richard frowned deeply, considering Flynn’s words.

Nathan comforted his daughter briefly before saying, “Flynn, you’re suggesting we lay low overseas?”

Flynn nodded. “Yes. Our family has been through one crisis after another. I won’t have peace of mind until you’re all safe. You take Dad and Isolde and go. I’ll sort things out here with the company and then join you with Imogen and Kenneth. Meanwhile, I’ll keep looking for Percival and Vivienne.”

After a moment’s thought, Flynn asked, “Dad, what do you think?”

Richard was silent for a few seconds before saying firmly, “We’ll do as Flynn suggests.”

“I’ll get someone to book your flights right now. You’ll leave tonight,” Flynn said, immediately taking out his phone to instruct his secretary.

The tickets were swiftly booked, and the family packed only the essentials before hurrying to the airport.

to Cecilia. “Cecilia, We’ll find Percival as soon as

careful back home. Things are unstable,” Cecilia

straighten his suit jacket. “Dad, wait for me over there. I promise I’ll bring

boarded

take off, his gaze lingering in the sky long after the aircraft had vanished. Finally, he turned away. He

repeatedly until the last 10 feet

this point, they could not use explosives

seized Leopold’s shovel and started digging with such furious strength that even

although their captain’s wife had not eaten or slept in two days, she

from the relentless digging, he felt a profound respect for her. She was not just infatuated

map and keep us posted on the captain’s location,” Leopold barked at Soren, pushing him toward

from calling into the headset, “Mr. Wolf, respond to me!” But there was

had almost lost her

and Griffin joined the digging, the tension

dare to imagine what could happen if they could not

the computer that signified Percival’s vital signs, shouted, “Nine o’clock

with a new challenge. The door to the commanding room was jammed shut

what now?” Leopold cursed, his

fit. Vivienne had kicked it open and emerged from the control room, carrying an unconscious Percival on

“Vivienne, Percival!”

“Ms. Vivienne, Captain!”

“Captain! Madam!”

voices rang out, but there was no response

tugging at

on the ground. She pulled a sterile silver needle from her pocket and quickly inserted it into Percival’s forehead.Books Chapters

he spat out a mouthful of black blood and, with it, a breath of

for a few seconds, then erupted

was awake.