The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Declan suddenly looked up, "I don't believe you've managed to shatter the Millennia Aegis."

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, "The shards of the Millennia Aegis are right here in my hand. Would you like to see for yourself?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Declan's eyes, but he quickly pressed on, "Where is she?"

Vivienne knew exactly who he was asking about.

With a cold laugh and her eyes sharp as ice, she said, "If she's not dead, she's probably licking her wounds in some remote forest corner. But without a proper heart to heal, she might resort to devouring the hearts of animals. Or worse, she might not be picky at all." Declan frowned, his tone icy, "That's impossible!"

Vivienne sighed, "You've gone to great lengths to keep all these secrets from the Watson family. How could I not retaliate against someone who's after my life?"

"You!"

Shock flashed in Declan's eyes, his face betraying his emotions, "You've actually dug into the Watson family!"

Vivienne had expected this reaction. "If I'm not mistaken, Derek probably stumbled upon your real motive behind building up the Wright family, leading to his untimely demise... The so-called disease of worry was just your cover-up after poisoning him." Realizing his emotions had betrayed him, Declan fell silent.

His mind, however, was in turmoil.

He hadn't expected Vivienne to investigate him so thoroughly.

Having gotten the reaction she wanted, Vivienne walked out without further delay.

Outside, Draven was waiting.

"Keep an eye on him. Don't miss any detail," Vivienne instructed before turning to enter the adjoining dark room where Percival was monitoring some equipment.

On the large electronic screen on the wall was Declan's image.

Hearing Vivienne's approach, Percival turned, "Just as you suspected. The equipment only reacted when the Watson family and Winston were mentioned." Vivienne's eyes narrowed slightly.

The bait was thrown. Whether it would lure Abigail out depended on how important the remnants of the Wright family were to her.

Handing off the equipment to a technician, Percival wrapped Vivienne in his coat, "It's too cold here for you. Let's go back."

Feeling Mr. Wolf's warmth envelop her, Vivienne nodded, and they left.

back, the scent of something delicious wafted to Vivienne, making her

"Thomas, stop the car!"

Thomas braked sharply, thankfully without causing

wrong, ma'am?" Thomas and

announced,

glanced at the food street outside, then smiled,

"Something sour."

grew, "Seems my prediction

the implication, Vivienne dismissed it, "Don't

themselves in front of a quaint little diner, its sign reading "Pickled Fish" in faded letters.

kitchen for

the diner's modest exterior, the inside was

the food arrived, Vivienne was astounded, "Are you sure we can finish

her a piece of tender fish, "Don't worry, if

eating, Percival packed up the leftovers for Thomas, joking about

unexpectedly full and cozy in the car, Vivienne soon fell asleep

grip tightening on his hand, "Mr. Wolf, stay with me." Touched by her vulnerability,

slept deeply and

to the hospital for a checkup, owned by the Ellington family, with Percival by her side

with the pressure of

rotted her eyes,

situation increasingly absurd. From

moment Mr. Wolf

into

his face had

en

turned to the doctor beside

smile, clearly wanting to ignore the tense

a low voice, "Where's

Vivienne was speechless.

tiny spot on the monitor, "This... this is the baby. The embryo is developing well." Percival peered closely, then asked with genuine curiosity, "Is this pulsing dot the

The doctor nodded.