The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

secret all these years... because of this..."

Time hadn't etched its usual marks on Daphne's face; she still carried herself with an unwavering grace, her eyes sparkling with the same vibrancy.

Only her once neatly tied ponytail had given way to shoulder-length waves.

She glanced down slightly, "Hello, I'm Daphne. And you are?"

Vivienne met her gaze, though it felt as if Daphne's eyes were looking through her, searching for someone else, "I've heard from little birdies, Vivienne, that you carry the spirit of the captain. How is she?" Vivienne bit her lip before responding, "My mom's doing well, but she's not in Rivenwood at the moment. She and my dad are on a second honeymoon abroad."

"She'd be thrilled to know you're back."

At this, Daphne paused, "And your father is?"

Vivienne didn't hesitate, "Arthur."

Hearing the name, a flicker of surprise crossed Daphne's face, and she shook her head in disbelief, "I never would've guessed. The captain's heart belonged to him. No wonder she kept his name a Vivienne felt a strange twinge inside her but quickly shook it off.

The person before her couldn't possibly be her.

Others might, but not Daphne.

Realizing her own train of thoughts, Daphne suddenly clapped her hands together, "Look at me, getting all caught up in memories. Please, have a seat."

She moved to pour some water, only to find the kettle empty. Turning to them, she said, "You two chat, I'll go fill it up."

Anna nodded. Seeing Daphne with the kettle, she cautioned, "Mom, be careful. Don't burn yourself."

Daphne smiled reassuringly, asking her to keep Vivienne company while she was gone.

Left in the room, Vivienne and Anna were alone.

Vivienne glanced at Anna, motioning her to extend her arm, "Let me see that injury."

Anna hesitated but obliged under Vivienne's firm gaze.

Vivienne gently lifted her fingers from Anna's arm after a moment, understanding the situation. She pulled out a bottle, handing Anna a Miracle Cure pill. Anna knew of the pill's extraordinary healing properties, but was too embarrassed to accept, "Vivienne, it'll heal in a few days. Don't waste it on me..."

"I need you in top shape these coming days. You wouldn't want to be a burden to the team."

reason left Anna with no

her own pain, but she would never drag her team

asked, "Why keep it a secret

thinking Vivienne was upset about her leaving the team without notice. She straightened up, "I'm sorry, Vivienne. It was against the rules. I'll accept any punishment from the team." Vivienne patted her, signaling she didn't mean it

wanted to know about the

"I had no choice but to use this strategy... My mom

the reason but was still taken aback by

"Honestly, I couldn't believe my mom came

the disbelief and then the overwhelming joy of finding her own mother. Yet,

immediate, her pupils

I just want to ensure no overlaps in our

Anna caught on.

fooling her. But how could she mistake her own

her head, thinking, "It was about a

week ago?" Vivienne

I left the lab. I lost them quickly, thinking it was a hitman. But then, I

she resembled my memories too closely. So, I started investigating

didn't Daphne acknowledge you then?" Vivienne

darkened, "Mom didn't know about Noah's passing. She feared endangering

ached recalling

her death with

of a

her brain nerves. She forgot who she was for a long

to doubt. The side effects of such a potion were well known.

Project Destruction listed Deputy Captain Daphne's cause of death

not

then, Daphne returned with the kettle, now also carrying

went

everything down smoothly, pouring two glasses of water, "There's nothing in this hospital room. I brought

was as gentle

thanked her, taking

altered Daphne's image, or maybe the stories had

handed it over. "Here, Vivienne,

Hearing this, Vivienne's gaze

and she

"I've heard stories about you from