The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne left the Brooks household and immediately dialed Cecilia to let her know that she was taking Isolde out for some fun.

By the time she arrived, Isolde was already waiting eagerly at the doorstep.

“Vivienne, I’ve missed you so much!” Isolde beamed with joy.

Warmed by the affectionate yearnings of both Isolde and Thaddeus, Vivienne took their hands and set off on their little adventure.

Amelia’s home was situated in the suburbs, a good distance away.

Vivienne navigated using the address Cordelia had given her, only to discover upon arrival that it was a run-down neighborhood.

Amelia lived in a storage room at the bottom of the apartment complex. Cordelia had mentioned that due to their inability to pay rent, they had no choice but to settle for a damp and affordable storage space.

Knocking on the door, it swung open quickly, revealing a woman in her thirties, looking worn and tired. Her clothing, washed countless times, had taken on a yellowish hue.

Vivienne froze at the sight of her. It was her!

Years ago, in Havenwood, her mother, under a concealed identity, was expelled from their home by Beatrice on a rainy day. With no transportation nearby and no shelter from the rain, a kind woman pulled up in her car, offering them help when they needed it the most.

At the time, Vivienne was unaware that with her mother’s abilities, a simple phone call could have resolved their predicament, but her mother couldn’t risk exposure by contacting anyone. Thus, the woman’s assistance was a godsend.

Once in the woman’s car, they learned she was a tourist caught in the Havenwood downpour. Dressed elegantly and possessing a generous heart, she booked them a hotel room and ordered them meals.

When the rain ceased the following day, the woman left them five hundred dollars, explaining she wouldn’t be in Havenwood for long and, unlikely to help them again, wished them well for the future.

That sum may have been trivial to the woman then, but to Vivienne and her mother, Karen, it was a lifeline.

Karen insisted that if Vivienne ever had the chance to repay the woman’s kindness, she should do so twofold.

This memory had stayed with Vivienne. After reuniting with Karen, they discussed the incident. Vivienne questioned why, with her mother’s capabilities, they had to struggle for money, even in hiding.

attention of GTO and Vanguard Agency. Using her abilities might have led to

Kaitlyn

hadn’t informed her that Vivienne would be taking Amelia out, so she was

Littleton, we’ve come to play with Amelia,” Isolde said

warmly. “Thank you

turning to Vivienne, she asked curiously,

introduced her. “This is my sister! She’s taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton, my sister is really nice; she won’t let

Kaitlyn looked puzzled. She had only met Thaddeus’s mother before

my sister is

she addressed Vivienne, “Well then, I hope you

didn’t like to impose on others. But today, she felt unwell, weak to the point of being unable

reality by Kaitlyn’s words. She eyed Kaitlyn, lips pursed,

“I’m

didn’t have

and daughter, giving

moment to remember, and then her face lit up with recognition. “Oh, it’s you! You’ve

gaze drifted past Kaitlyn into the room behind her, her expression turning somber. “May

quite a

could finish, Vivienne stepped inside, only to stop dead

place for anyone

everywhere. Two elderly people were cooking on a makeshift stove in the corner while a man lay in a

Vivienne enter, everyone paused, then turned to Kaitlyn with questioning looks.

but failing to do so, she quickly explained, “Mom, Dad, she’s a friend I knew

Vivienne, “Ms. Hawthorn, I’m sorry,

lips together, her fingers tightening at her side. After a moment, she managed a smile. “I’m fine standing, Kaitlyn.

a sigh of relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them

extended their hands but stopped midway as if realizing something. They withdrew their

their hands firmly. “Nice