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

today, how about we go back and have a

“Sounds perfect!”

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

prepared a hearty stew, knowing Karen was coming home with

family bustled about in preparation

Except for Maddox.

immersed in playing

Maddox’s head adorned with a variety

you playing today, Uncle

scolded by Natalia, “Vivienne, don’t

mean, come on, Yuri, don’t be so harsh on the kid. So what if she didn’t finish her

caught on; Natalia and Yasmine were impersonating

Natalia and Yasmine stopped letting you play the

great either. Fredrick, when are you going to

watermelon into Maddox’s mouth with absolute precision and

Those two rascals are enough for me. Dad, how about I bring

frantically at the suggestion of taking on his grandsons. “No, no, no, keep them.

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

Pendleton sighed. “Why do you always treat

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

side!”

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

finally spoke up, “Vivienne, how many kids are you planning on? I’ll get you

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

of thuds later, two bumps formed on Maddox’s head—one from a

need to ask; it was Jasper

sighed deeply. “What’s happened to

Mansion was abuzz with laughter

Willa sat atop the garden wall, observing

Willa’s presence. She turned and saw Willa waving at

same small steak house where

get back?” Karen approached casually, taking a plate and cutting the steak with

salad and pulled out a notebook from her bag—the very same one she had found

the notebook to Karen and said, “take a look. Maybe it will

she couldn’t help wondering if the