The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Meanwhile.

Anna followed the figure to a secluded field, cornering the person in black who had no escape. With her eyes narrowed, she launched a powerful blow towards the person's back, her strike swift and fierce.

The wind from her palm cut through the opposing breeze, but the person in black sidestepped, easily neutralizing her attack and sending Anna flying several feet away.

Despite the aggressive move, it was clear the person in black had no intention of injuring Anna. Otherwise, the chase wouldn't have been a series of defensive moves.

With her brows furrowed but curiosity in her eyes, Anna noted the person used the same techniques she did, and their strength surpassed hers.

She couldn't believe there was someone else so similar to "her."

She had to see who this person was with her own eyes.

Launching another attack, Anna put her all into it, forcing the person in black to counter with significant force. However, she suddenly pulled back, causing her opponent to pause, but it was too late to withdraw their strength entirely. Fortunately, they shifted their aim at the last moment, sparing Anna a direct hit to the chest.

Still, Anna's face paled momentarily.

The person in black was visibly shocked, unable to believe they had hurt someone.

Anna, clutching her chest, emotionally asked, "Is it really you?"

Without a word, the figure merely gave her a deep look before attempting to leave.

As Anna tried to follow, her injuries held her back, and she collapsed to the ground.

Years of longing and anguish came to a head, and she cried out hoarsely to the departing figure, "Mom!"

The person in black froze in their tracks.

Tears welling in her eyes, Anna voiced her pain, "You left me alone in Havenwood all those years ago. Are you going to leave me behind again?"

The figure halted, sighed deeply, and removed their hood, revealing a face strikingly similar to Anna's.

Daphne, presumed lost

eyes, she approached her daughter, "It's

hold back

mom used to call her when she was little. Just hearing it

person in

on the slim hope that this person was the

her gamble paid

she helped Anna up, concerned, "Are you hurt? I didn't mean to hit you so

vigorously, pain forgotten

wryly, "How

"I saw the mole on your hand

was what

there was a small, inconspicuous mole on the back of Daphne's hand, barely noticeable

deep breath, not wanting to blink

sighed softly, "I'm not

her heart swelling

Karen, had faked her death to deceive their enemies and might one

tears and changed the subject. "Mom, what happened to you all these years?

touched her daughter's face, "Let's not talk about that now. You're hurt; let's get you to

message the next morning, asking to meet at a secluded private

something significant must have happened, Vivienne shared her concerns with Percival, who insisted on accompanying her.

more determined to go. Anna's safety was paramount. Percival,

After their recent engagement,

over

worry when Vivienne stepped out of the car. He quickly reminded her, "Vivienne, everything is set. Just give the

to duty, reminding Leopold of the importance of his job and

Vivienne, sensing Leopold's

continued guilt over inadvertently

gave him a look that spoke volumes before heading

about Vivienne's apparent anger,