The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Stepping into the elevator, Vivienne glanced at the antique locket glinting with a soft golden hue in her hand before slipping it into her pocket. The piece meant little to her personally, but for Cordelia's family, it might hold significant value.

Vivienne headed downstairs, coincidentally bumping into Dorian, who had just returned.

Spotting Vivienne, Dorian hastened his steps, waving excitedly. "Vivienne!"

With a smile, Vivienne greeted back, "Dorian, back so early?"

Setting his briefcase aside, Dorian shared, "Cordelia called me at noon, mentioned you dropped by. Figured I'd head home early since the office was slow today."

Vivienne always knew Dorian cared deeply for her, but it still warmed her heart to feel it afresh.

"How's the company doing, Dorian?"

Dorian, eager to discuss, mentioned, "Actually, we're planning to launch a new product before the year ends, alongside our classic range. It should help us better integrate into the local market. What do you think?"

Dorian was always full of ideas when it came to the business.

Though he often discussed these matters with Cordelia, Vivienne, being a significant investor, had a unique perspective.

Dorian hoped for Vivienne's approval on these strategic decisions.

Vivienne reassured him with a smile, "You're more than capable of making these decisions, Dorian."

Relieved, Dorian then remembered the purpose of Vivienne's visit. "Oh, right, Vivienne. You came to check on Flynn, didn't you?"

"I heard from Cordelia about the poor kid. He's family, after all. We should help when we can."

Vivienne pursed her lips, asking, "Dorian, how long has it been since Cordelia saw her sister?"

Dorian paused, then replied, "Years, really. She wasn't too supportive of our marriage, so we lost touch after tying the knot. Heard she moved away, haven't seen her since."

Realizing the gravity of his words, Dorian looked around and whispered, "Vivienne, is there a problem?"

past incident that had left

was cause for

seemed

Cordelia and that you never mentioned her before." Dorian, relieved by her explanation, shared more about Cordelia's family dynamics, highlighting the differences in temperament within the

it was time to leave, "Dorian, I've told Cordelia I'll be around more often

her commitment,

close to the Brooks family in Havenwood.

the comforting sight

Wolf, or Percival as he was

the kitchen, holding a cake mold, "Just a bit longer,

at the kitchen bar, watching Percival meticulously spread frosting on a strawberry

you didn't have to

her, "I called Cordelia. Knew you were on your way back, so I

locket she had received, placed

he inquired, seeing the

Cordelia's sister," Vivienne replied, tasting the

her mood, "Something happened while

Vivienne shared her concerns about Abigail's elusive powers and the recent suspicious behavior of Cordelia's sister, Percival suggested a

have someone keep a

knowing all they could do was wait for more information before

a topic he heard from Cordelia, "Cordelia mentioned something about that

thought of

but frown, "The

toxins in their system, both

uncertain if they'll ever be like

injuries can heal, but mental scars are harder to

only ensure the safety of the Dorian family but also help the child adjust emotionally." After a moment, Percival suggested,

shook her head, knowing Anna's limits, "Anna's skilled, but getting