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.

mansion

Thomas rang the doorbell.

it's one of the Perez boys, please, our master isn't

"It's me," Vivienne said.

a pause, then scrambling to open

Vivienne nodded, "Where's Grandpa?"

replied, "In his study, probably

to the study, pausing at the door

she called out

face breaking into a smile.

at Maddox without saying

down, acknowledging the unique nature of

away from his desk,

parents 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

"He wouldn't believe

Maddox's trust in the Perez family's information network was

Vivienne alone, inquired about

Wolf's tied up with

his tea, noting Richard Ellington's decision to delegate his

nearly choked on her scone at the mention of

with some hot milk and snacks, Vivienne felt comfortable

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

"The Wright family?"

question came

about Abigail's situation. Just

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

the only lead we

Wrights have