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?"

of his true name, Hunter stirred, his

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

but these things are easy to uncover for

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

used the family's assets to amass wealth,

deep affection, she tried to cover for you until you poisoned her with your

the Wright family is nothing like it once

their own end; who can they blame?" Declan

a stepping

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

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

a chair, insisting, "Only the best

sitting, Vivienne eased her aching back, "So, the heart

Sometimes, she took matters into

seen how she uses these hearts?"

silent, refusing to indulge Vivienne's

Percival, they both sensed the depth of the

you not seek vengeance against Abigail for consuming your

to know her whereabouts, I've said enough. We're

seem to know her well. Who is she,

dimmed, the light fading from his eyes as 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

snorted derisively. "The

"

those grand dreams you had? Poof. Gone. You really think you still have control

"Bankruptcy?"