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.

easily earned money, doing so would’ve drawn the attention of GTO and Vanguard Agency. Using

what brings you here?” Kaitlyn

her that Vivienne would be taking Amelia out, so

play

smiled warmly. “Thank you

to Vivienne, she asked curiously, “And who might

excitedly introduced her. “This is my sister! She’s taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton, my sister is really nice;

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

is super pretty,” Thaddeus

couldn’t help but laugh. Then she addressed Vivienne, “Well then, I hope you don’t mind taking

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

back to reality by Kaitlyn’s words. She eyed Kaitlyn, lips pursed, then said softly,

“I’m sorry, who

truly didn’t have any

years ago, in Havenwood, you helped a mother and daughter, giving them five

remember, and then her face lit up with recognition. “Oh, it’s you! You’ve grown so much; I

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

quite

could finish, Vivienne stepped inside, only to stop dead

was no place for

thrown together and clutter everywhere. Two elderly people were cooking on a makeshift stove in the corner while

enter, everyone paused, then turned to Kaitlyn with questioning

but failing to do so, she quickly explained, “Mom, Dad,

said to Vivienne, “Ms. Hawthorn, I’m sorry, but we really don’t have

lips together, her fingers tightening at her side. After a moment, she managed

off, Kaitlyn let out a sigh of relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them to Vivienne, “These

couple quickly extended their hands but stopped midway as if realizing something. They withdrew their hands and greeted her with warm

out, shaking their hands firmly. “Nice to