The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1017

Vivienne paused in front of a freshly erected tombstone, its crisp marble etched with Delilah's name but bearing no photograph.

Abigail had done so much evil in Delilah's guise.

Vivienne didn't want Cordelia to be haunted by those bitter memories.

Approaching, Cordelia unwrapped a parcel, gently laying out each item before the grave, her voice soft but firm. "These clothes were yours. I thought of making a memorial just of these, never imagined we'd actually find you..." "And these two pendants, you wielded them like weapons, trying to force me out of the Wilson family. Now, they're yours. I've no desire to return to that house, nor does anyone wish to contest this with you anymore." "Rest easy, Flynn's recovering well in the hospital. I visit him daily."

"Once he's better, he'll come live with us, go to school with Thadessus. If he can't live like everyone else, it doesn't matter. Dorian and I have agreed, what's Thaddeus's is Flynn's too." Vivienne remained silent behind her.

Only when Cordelia, tears wiped away, turned to leave, did Vivienne step forward, offering a hand, "Cordelia, let's head back."

Cordelia grasped her hand, nodding, "Okay."

On their way back, Cordelia's heart felt lighter. She looked at Vivienne, gratitude in her eyes. "Vivienne, thank you for everything with Delilah."

Vivienne shrugged it off. "Cordelia, we're family. You taught me that."

Cordelia smiled, content. "Having you as my daughter is a blessing."

Vivienne suddenly asked, "Does Astrid know about this?"

Cordelia sighed, shaking her head. "I haven't told her. She's always had a grudge against Delilah. Even if I did tell her, she wouldn't have come. Some wounds from the past are too deep." Vivienne didn't press further. This was Cordelia's family affair, something neither she nor Dorian could intervene in.

Dropping Cordelia at her doorstep, Vivienne didn't go up. Watching her ascend, she then directed Thomas to drive to the Linklater estate.

Uncle Maddox had caused quite the stir.

Grandfather would never stand for it.

Linklater mansion was locked

Thomas rang the doorbell.

through, headache evident, "Oh, Lord, if it's one of the Perez boys, please, our

"It's me," Vivienne said.

was a pause, then scrambling to open the door.

Vivienne nodded, "Where's Grandpa?"

attentive, replied, "In his study, probably

at the door to see Yorick absorbed in his

she called

looked up, his face breaking into a

hinting at

nature of Uncle Maddox compared to her more composed

from his desk, poured tea and offered

message, said if you needed them, you could reach them through Vanguard Agency. They're somewhere without signal." Vivienne, nibbling on a

chuckled, "He

trust in the Perez

alone, inquired about

tied up with

noting Richard Ellington's decision to delegate his

on her scone at the mention of the Ellington family's

milk and snacks, Vivienne felt comfortable enough to discuss the real reason

take on the Wright family?" she ventured, ready to

"The Wright family?"

came as a

about Abigail's situation. Just because she's

won't resurface. Whate she's hiding is surely a threat national security, but she's

lead we have points to the Wright

the Wrights have been