The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne furrowed her brow, a clear sign of confusion.

Colin seemed to read her mind. "Brianna isn't really a Wright; she was adopted," he explained, cutting through Vivienne's silent questions.

Vivienne was momentarily speechless. It was as if Colin had anticipated her arrival and the very questions she'd bring with her.

Without needing her to utter a word, he volunteered information freely.

Unlocking the door, Colin stepped back, "I know Ms. Hawthorn has a lot more to ask. Don't worry, I'll be just outside."

Without further hesitation, Vivienne gave Percival a look.

Responding to her silent cue, Percival kicked the door down with a forceful swing of his leg.

"Really, Mr. Wolf? No subtlety?" Vivienne couldn't help but comment.

Percival shrugged, "Sorry, Vivienne. My gentleness is reserved solely for you. Everyone else gets the boot."

Silence fell between them as they entered the dimly lit room, where Hunter was pinned against the wall.

The scene made it clear why Colin had managed to capture Hunter so effortlessly.

Percival raised an eyebrow, "He's lost his abilities."

Vivienne scoffed, "Cutting off the source after use. Must be how Abigail acquired her powers."

Without the gift, one resorts to theft.

Facing the barely conscious Hunter, Vivienne wasted no time, "Declan Edwards, how long will you keep up this charade?"

his true name, Hunter stirred, his pale face lifting

did you know...?" he murmured, barely

thought you hid well, but these things are easy to uncover for those who

one of the Wrights but from the ancient warrior lineage of the Edwards clan. Disowned for using your abilities for personal gain, you

your ambitions didn't end with infiltrating the Wrights. You used the family's assets to amass wealth, transforming the Wrights

was Ms. Wright herself. Despite her deep affection, she tried to cover for you until you poisoned her with your own hands, eventually eliminating the entire

family is nothing like it once was,

their own end; who can they blame?" Declan spoke without remorse, his

Wrights were merely a stepping stone in his vendetta against the Edwards

eyed him, "With the Wrights under your thumb, you could do as you pleased. So, how did Abigail come into

in Hunter's eyes, "She offered something I needed. Our partnership was meant

handed Vivienne a chair, insisting, "Only the

"So, the heart thefts were your

entirely. Sometimes, she took matters into her

how she uses these hearts?"

refusing to

they both sensed the depth

against Abigail for consuming your abilities, after all you've done

love to know her whereabouts, I've said

eyes narrowed, "You seem to know her well. Who is she,

he resigned himself to his fate. "I'm a dead man walking anyway," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Bringing this up now will only spell disaster for the Wrights. Might as well take it to

derisively. "The

"

Natalia's Wrights are on the brink of bankruptcy. All those grand dreams you had? Poof. Gone. You really think you still have control over anything

"Bankruptcy?"