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.”

a smile. “The director wants to see me? He could have

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

party was nothing but a pretext for him to

going?” Percival asked, already anticipating her

grin, Vivienne replied, “Of course, we’re going.

…

Percival arrived in their finest attire at the

Brooks and Ashley were greeting guests at the door.

call with no luck,” Melissa said warmly as she reached out

Melissa’s spirits; her smile was

had my phone off,” Vivienne responded with a light

and had not followed

“Yes, completely.

happened to Carl?”

only she had not been so stubborn and thrown away her helmet, Carl might not have ended up protecting her and

sighed. “Carl had woken up, but then, suddenly, his condition worsened one night. After an intense fight for his life, we managed to save him, but the doctors say

taken aback. Carl was supposed to be recovering; she had performed the surgery herself, and there was no

could have

didn’t you inform me? Where is Carl now?” Vivienne asked, her

deeply. And why had the Brooks family not contacted her sooner? With

to tell you, but… we can’t keep bothering you. You’ve

we? How can that be

but also felt a sense of resignation. After all, her relationship with the Brooks family would never be as

same; there was a mutual sense of

but it’s hard for us to keep coming to you,” Melissa said, wiping

sentiments, Vivienne’s tone softened.

Carl abroad for treatment. They say it’s a good place for someone in his condition

heavy sigh. With so much going on in Rivenwood, she could not leave just yet. Carl would have to

inside. I will introduce you to your Uncle Vance,” Melissa said, drying her eyes and leading Vivienne inside.Books Chapters Are