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.

in Karen’s eyes, her uncertainty seemed

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

“Sounds perfect!”

didn’t ask any questions. He took their bags and drove them back

the Perez Mansion, Zelda had prepared a hearty stew, knowing Karen was coming home with

about

Except for Maddox.

playing house with Natalia and

saw Maddox’s head adorned with a

you playing today, Uncle Maddox?” Vivienne

be scolded by Natalia, “Vivienne, don’t talk to him; he’s

Yuri, don’t be so harsh on the kid. So what if she didn’t finish her homework? Can’t we just

Natalia and Yasmine were impersonating Zelda and Yuri Perez, and Maddox was,

Maddox, have Natalia and Yasmine stopped letting you

helpless, sighing. “Having too many nieces isn’t great either. Fredrick, when are you

a piece of watermelon into Maddox’s mouth with

chimed in, “You want more kids? Go have them yourself. Those two rascals are enough

grandsons. “No, no, no, keep them. If it’s too much, send them to your older brother;

“No way, I’m done with that. They’re grown now, not fun

“Why do you always treat kids like toys? It’s

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

runs in your grandpa’s side!” Karen added,

worry, when we

face, finally spoke up, “Vivienne, how many

bed for yourself!” All the

head—one from a watermelon seed and the other

to ask; it was Jasper and Fredrick’s

sighed deeply. “What’s happened to

Perez Mansion was abuzz with laughter and

sat atop the

to sense Willa’s presence. She turned and saw Willa waving

steak house where she and Finnian had dined previously. Two

approached casually, taking

side salad and pulled out a notebook from

Karen and said, “take a look.

photos of the contents and sent them to Karen, although she couldn’t help wondering if the photos might differ from what was