The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the midst of chaos, out of nowhere, a figure lunged towards the center of the commotion, a blood-dripping knife in hand, aiming straight for Vivienne and Percival. "Vivienne, Percival, this is the end for you!" She remembered vividly, it was Percival's henchmen who had forcefully taken her aboard that dreadful ship where they broke her limbs without mercy.

And later, to compel her into submission, they severed the tendons in her limbs.

Ever since, she harbored a deep-seated desire to exact her revenge on the pair.

Upon hearing the commotion, Vivienne merely lifted her gaze and, with a swift motion, sent the attacker flying five meters away with a powerful kick before the blade could even graze her.

The assailant hit the ground, coughing up blood, yet refused to relinquish the opportunity to end the lives of her targets.

As Vivienne approached, the assailant, with a determined grasp on the knife and a last-ditch effort, lunged at Vivienne, desperation fueling her attack.

But Vivienne caught her hand effortlessly, the blood from the knife dripping onto her clothes.

A malevolent glint flashed in the eyes of the fallen woman.

Charlotte, who was nearby, noticed the tell-tale red spots on the attacker's arm and went pale with fear. "Vivienne, get away from her, she's got an infectious disease!"

Hearing the words "infectious disease," Percival's face turned ashen. He quickly pulled Vivienne to safety and, using his powers, flung the attacker away.

"Vivienne, we need to get you out of those clothes now!"

The disheveled woman struggled to her feet, spitting blood continuously.

However, upon seeing Percival's protective stance over Vivienne, she let out a raspy laugh filled with vindication.

"Heaven has eyes!"

"Indeed, heaven does watch over us!"

"Vivienne, always so aloof, let's see how you fare in your next life after enduring the same vile afflictions that have plagued me." Members of the Nine Mystics Society quickly restrained the woman, intending to hand her over to their young master for judgment.

Upon seeing the woman's face, marked by a distinct scar, even Charlotte was taken aback. "My God, are you... Arabella Hawthorn?"

The name, long unspoken, triggered a profound reaction in Arabella, who glared at Charlotte with the ferocity of a cornered beast. "Don't you dare call me that name. I am not Arabella!"

Years of forced encounters, abortions, and confinement in a damp, cramped room had taken their toll on her, both physically and mentally.

of hope, advising her to assume the identity of Paula Brooks and seek refuge with the Miller family

a month, succumbing to the brutal whims of a particularly

before her death, she had revealed a secret about

Mr. Wolf, also known as Percival, hastily removed her contaminated clothes and draped his

don't speak. Thomas is fetching the first aid

Vivienne, "..."

seemed Mr. Wolf had overlooked a

dealing with poisons had rendered her immune to most toxins. Furthermore, as a Specter Healer, she could easily diagnose Arabella's condition

to the

from her skin with alcohol swabs,

she didn't speak up, Mr. Wolf

of research into poisons

his actions ceasing momentarily, "No, we can't take any chances. I won't be at ease until we're at the hospital!" Vivienne sighed,

arms and legs, "See, not a scratch

relaxed, looking up at her,

a bit exasperated, "Mr. Wolf, you've forgotten. Our training and abilities have altered our bodies. External threats can't harm us unless

danger, but the initial shock had left him momentarily paralyzed

Vivienne to be safe, even against

calming Percival down,

the trouble to seek death, she saw no reason not

approached, the Nine Mystics Society members bowing respectfully, "Young

she intended to

in three months, you'll be in agony...

connected with her chest in

it Abigail

a response, barely able to open her mouth without

next move. "Arabella,

eyes widened with hatred, staring back at

you, but Paula? She isn't your

struggled against the ropes that bound her. She wanted nothing more than

"That's impossible!"

the sole heiress

say? As

narrowed her