The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Lights flickered on as a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Cordelia approached, her eyes shimmering with hope. "You must be Vivienne," she said, her voice tinged with desperation. "Cordelia told me you're quite the healer. Please, I'm begging you, save my child. He's only five years old."

As the woman moved to plead further, Vivienne subtly sidestepped the outstretched hands, respecting Cordelia's connection by addressing the woman as "aunt," "Don't worry, I'll do everything I can." Cordelia intervened, trying to calm her sister, "Delilah, take it easy. If Vivienne is here, she'll surely find a way to help Flynn."

Tears welled up in the woman's eyes, her voice rough, "Sis, I'm out of options. We've spent all our money on Flynn's treatment. I wouldn't have imposed on you if there was any other way."

Cordelia sighed, her heart aching for her sister's plight, "We're family; there's no trouble at all. Flynn is my nephew, and I wouldn't stand by idly. Stay here in Rivenwood with us. Once Flynn gets a bit stable, you can start working at the company. Things will get better."

Delilah Wilson, overwhelmed by emotion, grasped her sister's hands, "I've been so wrong in the past, judging you and your husband despite knowing how much you cared. I regret not reaching out all these years..."

Cordelia's eyes too filled with tears, "Let's not dwell on the past. Our focus now is on getting Flynn better."

Listening to the sisters, Vivienne pieced together the backstory of her long-lost aunt.

No wonder she had never heard Cordelia's brothers, Dorian and Thaddeus, mention her. Family tensions, it seemed.

Her gaze shifted to a small figure hiding in the corner of the room.

Tiny and almost invisible, the boy was silent, not making a single sound.

Vivienne frowned, "Cordelia, take your sister outside for a moment. I need to examine the boy."

With a nod and a wiped tear, Cordelia complied, "Alright, Delilah, let's give Vivienne some space to work."

Grateful, Delilah nodded at Vivienne, "Thank you," before leaving the room with Cordelia.

Once alone, Vivienne approached the boy, who seemed even smaller up close.

A five-year-old should be nearing three feet in height, yet this child seemed barely over two feet.

Setting aside genetic factors, only chronic malnutrition could cause such stunting.

Vivienne crouched down, addressing the boy gently, "Don't be scared. I'm a doctor here to help you, not to harm you."

retreated further, even against the wall, his fear

you dislike the light, or are you afraid

the boy's head jerked

off the lights, softening

The boy nodded timidly.

knew not to push, "I promise, no needles or medicine. Just let me feel your

there'd be no needles or medicine, the boy hesitantly lifted his

sparkled with youthful curiosity, were dull and void of light. After

hands are empty, you can trust me," Vivienne reassured,

boy, gathering courage, timidly reached

encouragement,

down, gently examining

illness, but you need to

boy

stood, opening the door to find Cordelia and

Flynn?" Cordelia asked

voice calm, "I have

her sister before leaving to check on Flynn, "Vivienne's

to come, "I've got a rough idea

he's been

consumption of expired food and malnutrition leading to organ failure. How could it be poison?" Vivienne

paled, "And

to know the full extent of his injuries

Delilah, overcome with emotion,

"It's all my

harder for

he do this

got back, Flynn was barely

some even suggested preparing for his demise. How could I, as a mother, just

piecing together the tragic tale of abuse and neglect that led to severe psychological and