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.

eyes, her uncertainty seemed

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

“Sounds perfect!”

on Vivienne’s cheeks, didn’t ask any questions. He took

prepared a hearty stew, knowing Karen was coming home with

about in

Except for Maddox.

in playing

Percival, and Karen entered, they saw Maddox’s head adorned with

playing today, Uncle

sigh, only to be scolded by

harsh on the kid. So

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

Maddox, have Natalia and Yasmine

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

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

want more kids? Go have them yourself. Those two rascals are enough for me. Dad,

his grandsons.

way, I’m done with

“Why do you always

“Aunt Carmen, it’s genetic. My

your grandpa’s side!” Karen added,

“Don’t worry, when we have kids, I won’t

“Vivienne, how many kids are

All the men, except Percival, retorted

later, two bumps formed on Maddox’s head—one from a watermelon seed and the other

it was Jasper

deeply. “What’s happened to this wicked

was abuzz

Willa sat atop the garden

presence. She turned

the same small steak house where she

approached casually, taking a plate and cutting the steak

a bite of the side salad and pulled out a notebook

to Karen and said, “take a look. Maybe it will be useful to

to Karen, although she couldn’t help wondering if the photos might differ from what was actually on the pages. After all, the original is always the most