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.

once misjudged Mark.

with a cup of steaming

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

flickered across Percival’s mouth. “Can’t your man even warm up milk to your

seemed to him Vivienne always doubted his ability to fend for

forgotten that his cooking was actually quite decent, especially compared to her disastrous attempts in

your talented hands should be

was indeed sweeter than

cheek affectionately. “My little

her tongue playfully. “Who

her hair, his voice gentle. “Well, it’s rare that I have such a skill. Don’t worry, my

was radiant, like

leaned on Percival’s shoulder to

Wolf, have

head. “No, my mentor knew I never had much

every technology has its pros and cons, like a bomb. It’s a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, but in the right hands, it can

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

close. “But if used for early-stage reconnaissance, like when I was trapped in that mine, it could prevent a lot of dangers and preserve fighting

“I just wonder how far

on Percival’s lap, her breathing even and calm, though her brow was furrowed as if pondering

she was deeply asleep, then

“Goodnight, Vivienne.”

off the bedside lamp and leave when Vivienne, still

quiet of the night, she murmured with longing,

Percival did not pull away. Instead, he sat on the floor, watching over her as she

Percival asleep on the floor, a wave of warmth filled her heart. She leaned over and kissed

“Good morning, Mr. Wolf.”

eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across his face.

of bed and began to dress. “Mr. Wolf, get