The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kaitlyn blinked, slightly taken aback.

It wasn’t that she felt there was anything wrong with Vivienne not repaying the money; after all, when she had helped them, she never expected anything in return.

But now, with Vivienne so earnestly declaring her intentions, Kaitlyn couldn’t help but think Vivienne still looked down on them.

Pressing her lips together, Kaitlyn said, “I never wanted anything in return when I helped you back then.”

Vivienne glanced at her and remained silent.

Then, pulling out her smartphone, Vivienne dialed a number, “Send over three cars. I’ll text you the address.”

Hearing this, Kaitlyn’s face fell, “Ms. Hawthorn, what are you trying to do?”

Vivienne pocketed her phone. “I’m moving you to another place.”

Clutching Amelia tightly to her, Kaitlyn eyed Vivienne with hostility, “Ms. Hawthorn, I’ve done nothing to offend you. Twelve years ago, I helped you. Why are you making things difficult for me now?”

Sadie and Julian, overhearing the conversation, quickly joined her side, glaring at Vivienne defensively.

Her husband, glaring helplessly at Vivienne, could only fret.

“Making things difficult for you?” Vivienne echoed, a hint of something crossing her mind.

“Sorry, I should have been clearer. I don’t intend to repay the money; instead, I want to arrange a new place for you to live. This place is too cramped; it’s not suitable for you.”

Kaitlyn felt embarrassed, “I’m sorry, I thought you were…”

After years of being targeted by others, her mind jumped to the worst conclusion when Vivienne mentioned moving them.

“It’s fine. I have a villa in Rivenwood that I’ve never lived in. You can stay there, and once you’re settled, I’ll transfer the

was a gift from Jasper. She had tried to refuse it, but the old man insisted, and she had

a few days, and this place was unbearable for even a day longer.

immediately protested, “I only helped you a little back then; I can’t

chimed in, “Yes, young lady, we appreciate your

the principle of not accepting a reward

young woman before them years ago, accepting a villa in return was far too

accept it,” Vivienne insisted seriously. “If it weren’t for your help back then, I don’t

for wanting to repay kindness, but I really can’t take the villa, not to mention the expensive monthly maintenance fees we can’t

gaze sharpened, “Is someone in Rivenwood giving you

the rumors Cordelia mentioned because she didn’t know Kaitlyn was her benefactor from years ago. Now, she realized Kaitlyn’s family’s current plight must

wrong person. Ms. Hawthorn, I’m grateful you remember the past and want to repay me, but I truly can’t accept it. Right now, I just hope my family can stay

it?” Vivienne

can afford to offend,” Kaitlyn

got visitors? I’m surprised anyone would bother with your door,

face drained of color as she hurried outside. Seeing the newcomer, her face twisted with

in her

selling your blood to

this, Kaitlyn’s in-laws turned pale. “Kaitlyn, you sold

no choice but to sell my blood.

much blood would you have to sell? Are you trying to kill yourself?” Sadie burst into tears. “What did our family

reassured her, “It’s okay. I just need to rest a bit. But for the

no trouble. But you, you can’t go back to work anytime soon.

hands crossed over her chest, looked down her nose at them. “Even

her down. “Please leave

I want to be in this dump?” Victoria said, pinching her nose in disgust. “I wouldn’t bother if not

I’d rather die than give you the