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.

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

"It's me," Vivienne said.

was a pause, then scrambling to open

Vivienne nodded, "Where's Grandpa?"

replied, "In his study,

found her way to the study, pausing at the door to see Yorick absorbed in his

she called out

his face breaking into a smile. "Vivienne! I thought

trailed off, hinting at

sat down, acknowledging the unique nature of Uncle Maddox compared

desk, poured tea and

left a message, said if you needed them, you could reach them through Vanguard Agency. They're somewhere without signal." Vivienne, nibbling on a scone, wondered aloud if Uncle Maddox had

"He wouldn't

in the Perez family's information

seeing Vivienne alone, inquired

up

tea, noting Richard Ellington's decision to delegate his responsibilities, acknowledging the burden

the mention of

felt comfortable

family?" she ventured, ready

"The Wright family?"

came as a

nodded, "You must have heard about Abigail's situation. Just because she's disappeared

surely a threat national security, but she's been careful not to let anything

far, the only lead we

the Wrights have been working for Abigail