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.

scent of something delicious wafted to

"Thomas, stop the car!"

Thomas braked sharply, thankfully without causing

ma'am?" Thomas and Percival

Vivienne announced,

food street outside, then smiled, "What would

"Something sour."

smile grew, "Seems my prediction

dismissed it, "Don't believe in

even stronger. Following it, Vivienne and Percival found themselves in front of a quaint little diner, its sign reading "Pickled Fish" in faded letters. That

the kitchen for

modest exterior, the inside was clean, and they

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

piece of tender fish, "Don't worry, if we can't finish, Thomas will. He

Percival packed up the leftovers for Thomas, joking about

unexpectedly full and cozy in the car, Vivienne soon fell

her, and Percival carefully carried her to bed, her sleepy grip tightening on his hand, "Mr. Wolf, stay with me." Touched by her vulnerability,

slept deeply

day, they went to the hospital for a checkup, owned by the Ellington family, with

the staff tense with the pressure of not displeasing

her eyes,

situation increasingly absurd. From

Mr. Wolf

into

on his face had layered

en

a sigh, she turned to the doctor beside her, "Just do your thing,

managed a stiff smile, clearly wanting to ignore the tense

asked in a low voice, "Where's the

Vivienne was speechless.

shook a bit as she pointed to a tiny spot on the monitor, "This... this is the baby. The embryo is developing well." Percival peered closely, then asked with genuine

The doctor nodded.