The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne had no patience for Patrick’s explanation; she already knew enough about what the Boyd family and Patrick were up to.

She extended her hand to Patrick, her tone brisk. “Hand over the key of your code.”

Patrick blinked in confusion. “What code?”

“The code of your contract!” Vivienne pressed, irritation creeping into her voice.

Patrick looked even more bewildered. “I don’t know anything about a code. Our contracts are straightforward. It’s in in my car. Let me fetch it for you.”

With that, Patrick hurried to his car and brought back the document to Vivienne. “Please, take a look, Madam.”

Vivienne took the contract and immediately noticed it was an agreement between the Ashford and Boyd families.

However, the format and wording differed from what Vivienne had seen in the Boyd family’s safe.

She did not know what that contract in the safe was about, but it certainly was not the same as this one. It seemed Patrick was not lying.

“You can go back now,” Vivienne said, handing back the contract.

The contract contained nothing substantial, just the usual business dealings. The Ashford family, a biotech leader in Sea City, also operated shipping routes. Their collaboration with the Boyd family had made many things more convenient, but there was no mention of the cutting-edge bionics.

After Patrick took the documents, he hesitated, casting a knowing look at Vivienne.

Vivienne gave him an icy glance, her face expressionless. “Keep Gillian away from me, and you’ll stay safe.”

“Thank you, Madam.” Patrick watched Vivienne enter her villa before getting back into his car.

As soon as the car door closed, his sycophantic smile turned into a heavy frown. He gazed at the villa’s grand entrance before tapping the car seat, signaling the driver to depart.

Inside the villa, Vivienne watched through the sheer curtains as Patrick’s car disappeared, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.

Everyone makes mistakes.

misjudged Mark. And Karen

cup of steaming hot milk.

sipped the milk, nodding appreciatively. “Not bad. It’s even better than the plain water you

annoyance flickered across Percival’s mouth. “Can’t your

to him Vivienne always doubted his ability to fend for

she forgotten that his cooking was actually quite decent,

hands

indeed sweeter

pinched her cheek affectionately.

“Who could ever have

hair, his voice gentle. “Well, it’s rare that I have such a skill. Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll make sure to earn plenty.

radiant,

she leaned on Percival’s

at him. “Mr. Wolf, have you ever heard my mother talk about

his head. “No, my mentor knew I never had much of a knack for medicine and never discussed her

said every technology has its pros and cons, like a bomb. It’s a dangerous weapon in

the same. If we develop ones that could replace the human body, and they become widespread, criminals won’t even need to show their faces to commit atrocities. It would pose a severe risk to

early-stage reconnaissance, like when I was trapped in that mine, it could prevent a

wonder how far my mom’s research has

she spoke, she fell asleep on Percival’s lap, her breathing even and calm, though her brow was furrowed as if pondering the issue of

she was deeply asleep, then he carefully

“Goodnight, Vivienne.”

and was about to turn off the bedside lamp and

of the night,

away. Instead, he sat

woke and saw Percival asleep on the floor, a wave of warmth filled her heart.

“Good morning, Mr. Wolf.”

eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across

Vivienne got out of bed and began to dress. “Mr. Wolf, get ready. We’re going to the