The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Picking up the phone, Cordelia's voice was indeed hushed, "Hey Viv, I heard from Leo that it was you who asked him to have a heart-to-heart with Flynn. Your aunt feels terrible about it and insisted I call to say thanks."

Vivienne replied calmly, "No need to thank me, Cordelia. Leo was just bumming around; a dinner invite is more than enough."

Cordelia chuckled on the other end, "Can't just treat a guest who's been such a big help so casually. I remember Leo loves my homemade pasta. I'll whip up a batch later."

Vivienne remembered something, "Oh, Cordelia, aunt gave me a locket last time we met by the elevator, said it was a family heirloom. I'll bring it over next time."

Cordelia sighed, "Delilah, always thinking of these sentimental things... If only things could have been different... Ah."

Realizing she might have said too much, Cordelia quickly changed the subject, "Don't overthink it, Viv. Your aunt's just a bit sensitive. I'll take care of the locket." Vivienne nodded, not pressing further.

It was clear Cordelia cared deeply for her sister, and some truths might not be entirely objective anyway.

After hanging up, Vivienne listened to the faint sounds outside from Mr. Wolf.

After a busy morning, the sudden calm made Vivienne feel a wave of exhaustion.

She lay down and fell into a deep sleep within minutes, her dreams continuing from before.

This time, she witnessed Abigail consuming a human heart, blood dripping everywhere, her eyes fixed on Vivienne, a strange smile on her lips, "Vivienne, they're nothing compared to you!" Vivienne's eyes turned cold; she tried to summon her power, but found herself restrained, her abilities gone.

Abigail's figure approached, her beautiful face cloaked in malice, her blood-dripping fingertip aimed straight at Vivienne's heart.

Waking up again, Vivienne frowned at the empty room.

Getting up, she checked the room's arrangement.

She never believed in old wives' tales.

If the first time was due to hormonal imbalances from pregnancy, then this time must have been influenced by external factors.

These dreams clearly meant someone was trying to manipulate her emotions.

Everything in the room was familiar, even the jars Sasha mentioned contained nothing harmful to the fetus, nor anything that could stimulate one's psyche.

The only other items were her and Mr. Wolf's everyday belongings.

had Abigail

he found Vivienne standing by the table, eyeing some

squinted, "Mr. Wolf, do

to approach, "Viv, don't worry. We've secured

Vivienne nodded.

Mr. Wolf was right.

could be so easily disturbed, Abigail wouldn't need to lift a

was no

find Abigail's trail amongst these belongings

It was clear.

seemed to

lets the animal bleed out a bit

moment Alyssa targeted

to drive her to

Abigail underestimated her strength and Mr.

Wolf, and she couldn't

to Mr. Wolf's worries, Vivienne wrapped her arms around his

her

bed, Percival brought over some chicken soup he had been simmering, cooled it with a spoon, and offered it to her, "Here, eat something first. The medicine will

Percival insisted, "You're not feeling well.

to be nine months of pregnancy. If you fuss over me like this every

of the idea, "Even better. That way, I can always be with you and the baby. It'll

Wolf couldn't seriously be

the soup, Vivienne

about the pregnancy, suddenly averse to anything too

didn't push, wiping her mouth with a napkin and handing her water,

a sip,

it wasn't her stomach, she had no desire for the

to take it for

couldn't help but suspect it was a trap

spoke, "Viv, I think we should keep the pregnancy under wraps for now. My folks agree.

suddenly thought of a quicker way to

"No way!"