The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

For whatever reason, getting involved now just wasn't the best timing.

It all hinged on Anna making the next move.

Thinking back to the puzzled tone in Anna's voice over the phone, "Vivienne, this can't be happening..." she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Percival, seeing her furrowed brow, knew she was overthinking again. He reached out, gently pressed his thumb against her forehead, and soothed, "Vivienne, Anna's more than capable now, we don't need to worry about her." Vivienne nodded in agreement.

That was the very reason she could let Anna investigate on her own; Anna had learned from the best - her.

To uncover the truth with her own hands, rather than through someone else's findings.

Returning home, Vivienne fell into a deep, unexpected nap that lasted till nightfall.

Waking up, it was too dark outside to see clearly.

Her phone had missed calls, none from Anna, but from Draven.

Sitting up, she redialed, "Draven?"

"The target, Declan, made his move."

Vivienne urged, "Go on."

"This afternoon, we caught him using shadow signals with his fingers under the light. But the gestures aren't in our decryption database. He's not talking either." Vivienne's voice was stern, "Send me the surveillance footage."

"Right away."

The moment she hung up, the video arrived. As Draven described, Declan was indeed signally something.

But it wasn't a code; it was an old-world charm she'd encountered in her paranormal studies.

Translated, it meant, "For the greater good, eternal."

Vivienne's lips curled into a wry smile.

Declan's "greater good" was nothing but the delusions Abigail had fed him.

Yet, these mind games were beneath her.

in front of her, whether to provoke or to bait, Abigail's

onto it, Abigail would

open, and Mr. Wolf tiptoed in, holding a thermometer, his actions drawing a

and Percival turned to her, relieved, "I was about to rush you to the

raised an eyebrow, "A

for six

"Are you saying I'm like a pig now?

just glad you're well. It's

playfully pulled him closer, "Mr. Wolf, it's been a while since we've been intimate.

sure

she spoke, her fingers danced over her blouse

hand,

raised an eyebrow, "What did you think?

was speechless as she headed to

laughter echoed through

He'd been outsmarted.

Vivienne forgot, what's owed can always be reclaimed,

next day, they didn't stay in. Seeking a change of scenery, they ended

had her heart set on a hot pot restaurant on the fourth floor, but passing a baby boutique on

Without hesitation, Vivienne nodded.

it was the pregnancy cravings, but lately, she found herself drawn to anything related to babies, especially cute, soft-colored baby clothes. She even toyed

her eye. Tiny,

it, but Percival let her take it, "Seems like you think we're having a

like the dress, that's

just smiled, watching

she

she didn't mind the baby's gender, she picked a blue

Percival saw through her.

child, regardless of their personality, would

she

IMS

glanced down on a whim. Her

around quickly,

instinctively moved to protect