The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Karen’s identity was shrouded in the utmost secrecy; only the highest echelons within the hospital were privy to her details. The nurses and doctors, not privy to such clearance, only knew that Percival had brought in a VIP patient who was also a knockout beauty.

Aaron couldn’t bear to listen to the idle gossip any longer. “Have you lost your minds? What’s there to admire about someone who’s playing the field?”

His sudden outburst startled the two young nurses, who scurried out of the elevator.

Alone in the lift, Aaron fumed over Percival’s audacity. How could he let Vivienne wait on his old flame like that? Sick! Despicable! Some people just shouldn’t exist!

Upon exiting the elevator, Aaron used his access card to make his way to the penthouse floor. When he encountered the security guard, he flashed the Nine Mystics Society’s token.

As a member of the Nine Mystics Society, the guard recognized the emblem of authority and allowed Aaron to pass without question.

“Master Aaron, the young master is not in. Please wait here,” one of Percival’s men said, assuming Aaron was there to see Vivienne.

Aaron pocketed his token. “It’s fine. Don’t bother about me. I’m just looking around. No need to tell Vivienne I was here; I don’t want to disturb her.”

“Understood.”

After giving his instructions, Aaron approached the hospital room.

Peering through the glass, Aaron saw Percival tenderly wiping the brow of the woman on the bed with an utterly uncharacteristic gentleness.

So tender, it couldn’t possibly be Percival!

No mistake about it: this woman was Percival’s first love!

“Percival, you sleaze, one wasn’t enough for you, huh? Alright, just you wait!” Aaron cursed inwardly.

He was about to burst in but held himself back. He had to wake Vivienne up first; he couldn’t let her be manipulated by this cad any longer!

With that thought, he turned and left.

Just as Aaron stepped into the elevator, Vivienne emerged from her office, catching only a glimpse of a retreating figure.

“Aaron? He came and didn’t look for me?” She wondered.

However, Vivienne didn’t dwell on it and entered the ward. “How’s it going? Did you wipe my mom’s face?”

“Vivienne, I hope I

pinching the bridge of her nose, sighed. “Mr. Wolf, you really have no

had been using, only to find he had only

“I thought

mom’s soul off her face,” Vivienne

over. You didn’t even wring out the cloth properly, and you’re getting

Really? I didn’t

we’re

care for Karen was handed over

stormed out of the hospital, running straight

this photo; it feels off. Take a look.” Mara pulled Aaron aside and handed him the

as he spotted the obvious GTO

you find

closer inspection, it’s not. I knew

a novel’s worth of scenarios

tsk, tsk. She hadn’t expected her offhand remark

fixated on the GTO

part of

purpose in coming back

get close to Percival and target

couldn’t be

Aaron turned to

where are you off

going to

still want to stay in good

realize how dangerous this ‘Karen’ is? I can’t let anyone

it? You have the means. If it were Percival, he’d

words struck a

contemplating. “Right, I can take care of her

a sigh of relief; Aaron

whisk away a living

clear: to ensure Karen’s demise. Mara had to confirm it

let’s meet tonight under the hospital. I’ll go

replied, relieved

moment, watching Mara’s retreating figure before turning