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

brings you here?” Kaitlyn was surprised

Vivienne would be taking Amelia out, so she was unaware of their

play with

warmly. “Thank you

turning to Vivienne, she asked curiously, “And who might

is my sister! She’s taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton,

only met Thaddeus’s mother before and

is super pretty,” Thaddeus

laugh. Then she addressed Vivienne, “Well then, I

But today, she felt unwell, weak to the point of being unable to stand

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

aback. “I’m sorry, who are

truly didn’t

in Havenwood, you helped a mother and daughter,

to remember, and then her face lit up with recognition. “Oh, it’s you! You’ve grown so much; I didn’t recognize you

Kaitlyn into the room behind her, her expression turning somber. “May I come

expression faltered. “It’s quite a mess inside…

stepped inside, only to stop dead in

place

elderly people were cooking on a makeshift stove in the corner while a man

to Kaitlyn with questioning looks. “Kaitlyn,

to stop Vivienne, but failing to do so, she quickly explained, “Mom,

Hawthorn, I’m sorry, but we really don’t have anywhere

side. After a

relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them

but stopped midway as if realizing something.

hands firmly. “Nice to meet