The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the span of a quarter hour, Colin had awakened on the bed, his eyes opening to find Vivienne seated beside him. He blinked in confusion. "Ms. Hawthorn, what brings you here...?" Vivienne motioned for him to stay still, mentioning that the effects of the acupuncture needles hadn't fully worn off yet.

Glancing down, Colin noticed the needles and was momentarily puzzled. "Ms. Hawthorn, what happened to me?"

As Vivienne carefully removed the needles, she informed him, "The poison in your system has been neutralized." "Neutralized?"

The shock was evident on Colin's face, followed quickly by a somber realization. "Did something happen to that man?"

Vivienne didn't beat around the bush. "Declan has taken his own life. You won't have to worry about the poison's backlash anymore."

Unable to fully articulate his feelings, Colin's body clearly relayed the relief of no longer facing such torment.

Gathering his composure, he expressed his gratitude, "I owe you a great deal, Ms. Hawthorn. Without you, I might have been long gone, not here to see this day."

Vivienne, unembarrassed by his thanks, inquired about his future plans.

Gazing out at the sunlight filtering through the window, Colin sighed, "I haven't decided yet. Maybe after I recover, I'll leave Rivenwood. If Winston Wright is willing, I might take him with me." His glance towards Vivienne was probing, curious about her reaction.

However, Vivienne remained composed, subtly asking, "Aren't you interested in restoring the Wright family?"

This caught Colin off guard. "What do you mean by that, Ms. Hawthorn?"

As she packed away the needles, Vivienne shared her hope for Colin to take over the Wright family, now that Declan was gone and the family's position had been vacant for a while. Sensing there was more to her request, Colin probed further, "Is there something you need, Ms. Hawthorn?"

someone connected to Abigail and Declan, making it clear

to Vivienne for saving his

the Nine Mystics Society, which he could use

the ring, Colin was momentarily lost in thought, aware of the society's significance but surprised to discover Vivienne's

ring, his gratitude extending beyond simple

outlined her need for someone to watch over the shadows in the name of the Wright family until the person of

the Nine Mystics Society has no place for those with

her of his loyalty,

currently not suited to return to the Wright family but Colin could visit him anytime by contacting the Linklater family. Grateful for her

departed, Leopold, who had been eavesdropping, scoffed at Colin's deference,

stare and his sudden change in demeanor when she addressed him, ignored his muttered complaints about her decision to involve Colin in the Nine Mystics Society. Their conversation on the way back touched upon the necessity of Colin's role in stabilizing the situation, with Vivienne firmly believing no one else

own pile of

Daring to meddle in someone else's affairs would surely bring the wrath of the old man

down upon

his legs, and force him to spend three days and nights in the family

Vivienne got out of the car,

a message to the Watsons. Tell them their enemy is dead,

nodded firmly.

car drive away, Vivienne entered the Linklater

The living room.

toddlers, their innocent faces glowing as they lay in their cribs, giggling at the