The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The midday sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the scattered rose petals that hadn't been cleaned up yet. Vivienne walked through, feeling a rare moment of serene beauty in the chaos.

After finishing a meal that was too late for breakfast and too early for lunch, Vivienne's phone, silent throughout the morning, finally rang.

Draven was brief. "Miss, there's movement at the Wright estate."

"Keep an eye on them," Vivienne instructed.

Percival cleared the dishes and took off his apron. "Heading to the Wrights?"

"Back to the Linklaters first," Vivienne's eyes narrowed slightly in thought.

Upon their arrival at the Linklater mansion, only Yorick was present in the grand hall.

Seeing Vivienne and Percival, Yorick's face broke into a smile. "Ah, Vivienne, Percival, come in, sit down."

"Grandfather!" they exclaimed in unison.

Yorick nodded, smiling warmly. "Your parents are out, scouting new venues for the wedding."

Vivienne cut straight to the chase. "Grandpa, that's not why I'm here today."

Yorick's expression sobered, perhaps guessing the reason. "Vivienne, I looked into what you told me, but just because she's been abroad for decades doesn't necessarily mean she's..."

Vivienne understood the dilemma; with age, familial bonds often deepen, complicating matters.

"All that matters," she said, "is whether she is or isn't the person in question, it doesn't absolve her of suspicion."

Yorick, having dedicated his life to serving the country, understood all too well.

He hesitated before speaking. "You gave your uncle a chance last time for my sake, and I won't ask you to compromise for personal reasons again, not when it concerns someone the state cannot tolerate." Vivienne waited patiently.

with distinction; he

his voice firm. "I've taken care of it. Follow

rather than finding Hailey, they discovered a young servant on the floor, his

happened here?"

a target of a national manhunt, but this act of brutality left no room for

turned to him, her

she and Mr. Wolf knew of Abigail's special

declared, "We must catch her. If she isn't the real Hailey, then the real one must

nodded, her

scene, suggested they might still catch Abigail if they moved

back. "Remember what Abigail said yesterday, Mr.

an eerie motive that didn't entirely make sense to her

protect Vivienne at all costs. "She dares to harm you, I'd give my last

reassured him, "she won't get far. Her end

resolve, promised his unconditional support. This enemy, he declared, must not be

for the

and Percival

Wright estate, now facing both

at the estate, they were struck by the eerie stillness of the once-grand manor

them. "Ms. Hawthorn, you've finally come.

flicker of unease passing through her. "Where's

"Ms. Hawthorn, rest assured,

unfazed, "What have you

with his hand in an inviting motion, "Winston owes me a favor, and I haven't forgotten. Please, follow me." Colin walked ahead

had failed to unearth

Deep within the castle...

a hidden door, turning around to face them,