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.

was Daphne, presumed lost in an accident years

she approached her daughter, "It's

couldn't hold back

call her when she was little.

the person in front of her. "Mom,

had gambled on the slim hope that this person was the one

gamble

reddened as she helped Anna up, concerned, "Are

vigorously, pain forgotten in

wryly, "How did you

saw

was what made

on the back of Daphne's hand, barely noticeable unless closely

deep breath, not wanting to blink for fear her mother might

softly, "I'm not going

nodded, her heart

appeared, Anna harbored a hope in her heart, wondering if her mother, like Karen, had faked her death to

to lighten the mood, Anna wiped away her tears and changed the subject. "Mom,

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

Anna's message the next morning, asking to meet at a secluded private hospital and

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

her head, trusting Anna's request for privacy must mean she had important reasons. If it was a trap, she was even more determined to go. Anna's safety was paramount. Percival, not entirely convinced, drove her to the

After their recent engagement,

over the moon

the car. He quickly reminded her, "Vivienne, everything is set.

to duty, reminding Leopold of the

Vivienne, sensing Leopold's

continued guilt over inadvertently

resulting chaos, simply gave him a look that spoke volumes before heading into the

Vivienne's apparent anger, hoping for