The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival reached out and swiped a finger through the frosting, popping it directly into his mouth.

The next instant, his face contorted in agony, an expression of pain so intense it had never before graced his features.

“Is it poisoned?” Vivienne yelled out, alarm knitting her brow.

Percival waved her off, steadying himself on her knee. “It’s just… incredibly bitter.”

Vivienne was speechless.

“Bitter? Really?” She dared a taste herself, almost letting her lifelong love affair with strawberry shortcake plummet to rock bottom.

It was supposed to be frosting – sweet, indulgent frosting.

Why on earth was it so bitter?

A thought struck Vivienne. “Tastes like something my mom made.”

Her words hung in the air, and she and Percival paused, a sudden realization dawning on them.

Slowly, they lifted their eyes to meet, and their gazes converged with silent understanding.

The cake before them indeed bore the mark of Karen’s handiwork.

The pair sat in stunned silence, neither willing to voice the conclusion forming in their minds. Yet, all the strange occurrences of recent days seemed to be pointing inexorably in one direction.

After a while, Vivienne shook her head. “I’ve never had such a terrible strawberry shortcake.”

Percival unveiled a slice of strawberry shortcake he had brought and fed it to Vivienne. “Try this one; it’s sweet.”

A chuckle escaped Vivienne’s lips, her eyes inadvertently flickering to the bitter disappointment that was the other cake.

Once they finished the delectable shortcake, Vivienne leaned back against the couch, patting her belly. “Mr. Wolf, didn’t you say you had something to discuss with me?”

Percival presented two invitations, laying them before Vivienne. “Take a look.”

them with a smile. “The director wants to see me? He could have just said

party and extended the invitation to Vivienne and Percival, they were not fooled. Vance’s intention was

nothing but a pretext for him

going?” Percival asked, already anticipating her answer from the look on

we’re going. We can’t miss out on the

…

in their

Brooks and Ashley were greeting guests at the door. Upon seeing Vivienne,

so much. I’ve been trying to call with no luck,” Melissa said warmly

one’s return had clearly lifted Melissa’s spirits;

been in Sea City for a while, had my phone off,” Vivienne

had not followed up, confident there was no longer a

nodded. “Yes, completely. But

to

Carl’s condition. If only she had not been so stubborn and thrown away her helmet,

we managed to save him, but the doctors say he suffered brain damage. He might be in

aback. Carl was supposed to be recovering; she had performed the surgery herself, and

have gone

inform me? Where is Carl now?” Vivienne

someone she had saved was now in such a state troubled her deeply. And why had the Brooks family not contacted her sooner? With timely notice, Carl would

we

family, aren’t we? How can that be

sense of resignation. After all, her relationship with the Brooks family would

felt the same; there was

hard for us to keep coming

sentiments, Vivienne’s tone softened. “Alright,

it’s a good place for someone in his

heavy sigh. With so much

said, drying her eyes and leading Vivienne inside.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join