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."

against the wall, his

you dislike the light,

words, the boy's

off the lights, softening her

The boy nodded timidly.

psychological distress, Vivienne knew not to push, "I

needles or medicine, the

with youthful curiosity, were dull and void of light. After a brief glance at Vivienne and realizing

empty, you can trust me," Vivienne

later, the boy, gathering courage, timidly reached out his

encouragement,

then sat down, gently examining

can treat your illness, but you need to cooperate. Can you do

a pause, the boy

door to find Cordelia and her sister anxiously waiting

is Flynn?" Cordelia asked

her gaze on Delilah, her voice

reassured her sister before leaving to check on Flynn, "Vivienne's here; it'll be okay. I'll stay with Flynn, make

the questions to come, "I've got a rough idea of Flynn's condition

he's been

of expired food and malnutrition leading to organ failure. How could it be poison?" Vivienne explained, "Toxins, if not cleared, can

paled, "And

I need to know the full extent of his injuries and

Delilah, overcome with emotion,

my fault. If I

for custody...

he do

I finally got back,

I found none would admit him, some even suggested preparing for his demise. How could I, as a mother, just watch

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