The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne gazed deeply into the eyes of her mother, whom she had waited over ten years to reunite with. There was an undeniable reluctance to let go.

Memories, after all, weren’t everything. If they couldn’t be retrieved, then so be it.

Karen ruffled Vivienne’s hair affectionately. “Frost, I believe in you. You’re my pride and joy in this world, and nothing will ever pose an obstacle in your way. You’re my treasure, and whatever you set your mind to, you’ll surely succeed.”

She knew her daughter all too well.

Vivienne didn’t want to lose her; she didn’t want to be cast into the world as an orphan again.

Indeed, those lost memories weren’t crucial.

She now knew how she had vanished and had been reunited with her biological father. Whether her memories returned or not wasn’t important.

When F-Poison had abducted her from the Perez family, Diana hadn’t even seen his true face.

At Scepter University, the white-haired old man who knew F-Poison had only seen Elliot’s face.

Flynn might know, but he would never tell.

Thus, in this entire world, Karen was the only one who might have seen F-Poison’s real face.

And those lost memories? They needed to be recovered at all costs.

Vivienne bit her lower lip pensively. “I only have one chance.”

One opportunity: success meant jubilation; failure meant no second chances.

Karen smiled reassuringly. “I know, but I’m not going to die. Your mentor has seen it in the cards – I’m going to live to be two hundred!”

Vivienne knew her mother was jesting, but it helped ease her tension slightly.

Karen continued, “I must recover that part of my memory, so rest assured, nothing will happen to me. And my dear daughter, when have you ever faced defeat?”

Holding Vivienne’s hand tightly, Karen said, “Go ahead with confidence. No matter what happens, I’m here for you.”

Vivienne’s lips were pressed firmly together, and she didn’t respond for a long time.

She was contemplating, hesitating.

the resolve in Karen’s eyes, her uncertainty

we’ll start tomorrow. For today, how about we go back and have a potluck

“Sounds perfect!”

Percival, seeing the streaks on Vivienne’s cheeks, didn’t ask any questions. He took their bags and drove them back

Perez Mansion, Zelda had prepared a hearty stew,

about in preparation

Except for Maddox.

in playing

Maddox’s head adorned

are you playing today, Uncle Maddox?” Vivienne

sigh, only to be scolded by Natalia, “Vivienne, don’t talk to him;

kid. So

on; Natalia and Yasmine were impersonating Zelda and Yuri Perez,

Natalia and Yasmine stopped

looked helpless, sighing. “Having too many nieces isn’t great either.

a piece of watermelon into Maddox’s mouth with absolute precision and said, “Shut it. I

chimed in, “You want more kids? Go have them yourself. Those two rascals are enough for me. Dad, how about I bring them over

waved his hands frantically at the suggestion of taking on his grandsons. “No, no, no, keep them. If it’s too much, send them

“No way, I’m done with that. They’re

“Why do you always

curled slightly. “Aunt Carmen, it’s genetic. My mom

in your grandpa’s side!” Karen

worry, when we have kids, I won’t treat

face, finally spoke up, “Vivienne, how many kids are you

round bed for yourself!” All the men, except Percival, retorted

head—one from a watermelon

to ask; it

deeply. “What’s happened to this

Perez Mansion was abuzz with laughter and

sat atop

to sense Willa’s presence. She

met Willa at the same small steak house where she and

Karen approached casually, taking a

and pulled out a notebook from her bag—the very

and said, “take a look. Maybe it

help wondering if the photos might differ from what was actually on the pages. After all, the original