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?"

knew his concern stemmed from a past incident that had left Dorian quite

sure yet if there was cause for alarm, especially if Cordelia

illness seemed genuine, beyond

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

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

appreciated her commitment, "Thanks, Vivienne. Drive

been trying to get close to the Brooks family in Havenwood. Look

greeted by the comforting sight of lights on

Wolf, or Percival as

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

up, Vivienne sat at the kitchen bar, watching Percival meticulously spread frosting

have to

didn't hide his care for her, "I called Cordelia. Knew

locket she had received, placed it beside her, catching Percival's

he inquired, seeing the

of gratitude from Cordelia's sister," Vivienne replied, tasting the cake

mood, "Something

about Abigail's elusive powers and the recent suspicious behavior of

have someone keep a watch. If there's any

could do was wait for more

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

thought of

help but

system, both physically

with recovery, it's uncertain if

"Physical injuries can heal, but mental scars are

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

knowing Anna's limits, "Anna's skilled, but getting