The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne assured her that she had thoroughly investigated Abigail's background and was just waiting for the right moment to completely eliminate the threat. Sasha breathed a sigh of relief. "So, what was so urgent that you needed to see me? How's Daphne?"

Vivienne's gaze darkened slightly. "Daphne's been shot."

Sasha's eyes sharpened. "Who did it?"

Vivienne spoke calmly, "All signs point to Abigail... but I think there's more to it."

Sasha quickly caught on, "You're questioning Daphne's identity?"

Vivienne nodded, "Exactly. Her timing was too coincidental. I can't help but suspect."

Sasha's gaze deepened. "Daphne's death was so mysterious, it's nearly impossible to investigate. If even Anna doesn't suspect her, then it might truly be Daphne who's come back." Mentioning her old partner, Sasha's eyes were filled with trust.

Even without meeting, she didn't want anyone misusing her friend's identity for nefarious purposes.

Sasha then asked, "What about Anna? What does she say?"

Anna was Daphne's only child. If she trusted the person, then the likelihood of it being Daphne was significantly lower.

Vivienne had her doubts, "Anna believes it without a doubt. That bullet was meant for Anna."

Sasha understood everything now. It was no wonder her daughter had urgently called her back.

It was a situation even she found challenging.

"When are you free? Let's visit the hospital together."

Vivienne glanced at the items on her desk before setting a time, "I'll pick you up first thing tomorrow. I'm worried she hasn't fully regained consciousness after yesterday's surgery." Sasha nodded, glad for the chance to adjust to the time difference.

After a day on the plane, she was exhausted.

Vivienne left for the lab with Percival, handing over some items to Brody with instructions to figure it out within two days.

Sasha stayed behind, talking with Jasper for an hour before heading back to the Linklater residence.

The next day.

On their way to the hospital, Sasha touched Vivienne's wrist resting on the armrest, "How have you been feeling lately? Any major reactions?"

answer when Mr. Wolf interjected from the front, "She's been throwing up a lot last week, but it's gotten

mind and continued, "Got any

replied, "She's been into spicy and sour food, her appetite

Vivienne, "..."

the pregnant

just you needing the nutrients. Have you ever seen a pregnant woman as thin as you?" Vivienne acknowledged the advice, having

At the hospital.

VIP ward.

together, with Percival stepping aside

who had been resting by the bed, suddenly

the person beside Vivienne, she froze,

took her hand, "It's me, Anna. I came to see your

warmth in her heart

her head; gratitude was never a part of her

faced the familiar face she hadn't seen in

it really

Vivienne gestored to Anna,

they needed to talk.

the

about Daphne's condition, learning about her fever and the complications that

e surgery.

unable to rest or look away, haunted by

conviction; she fully believed the woman before them was Daphne.

Sasha

approached, "Mom,

pursed and eyes narrowed, was conflicted. "If it weren't for your suspicions, I'd be convinced it's

gaze was clear and focused, "Did you

"No, her face is too

made you sense

mysteriously uttered,

Vivienne's frown deepened.

the essence I knew in Daphne, something that emanates from within,

Daphne slowly woke, relieved to

I'm glad you're