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. And

came in with a cup of steaming hot

nodding appreciatively. “Not bad. It’s even

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

seemed to him Vivienne always doubted his ability to fend for

was actually quite decent, especially

your talented hands should be

indeed sweeter than

pinched her cheek affectionately.

tongue playfully. “Who could ever

it’s rare that I have such a skill. Don’t worry, my dear. I’ll make sure to earn plenty. Enough to last us this

smile was radiant,

milk, she leaned on Percival’s shoulder

him. “Mr. Wolf, have you ever

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

a more comfortable position. “Well, my mom mentioned it once. She said every technology has its pros and cons, like a bomb. It’s a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, but in the right hands,

ones that could replace the human body, and they become widespread, criminals won’t even need to show

if used for early-stage reconnaissance, like when I was trapped in that mine, it could prevent a lot of dangers

wonder how far my mom’s research has

her breathing even and calm, though her brow was

she was deeply asleep, then he carefully

“Goodnight, Vivienne.”

her forehead and was about to turn off the bedside lamp and leave when Vivienne, still

the night, she murmured with

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

Vivienne woke and saw Percival asleep on the floor, a wave of warmth filled her heart. She leaned over and kissed his lips

“Good morning, Mr. Wolf.”

smile spreading across his face.

out of bed and began to dress. “Mr.