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?"

connected to Abigail and Declan, making

indebted to Vivienne

Mystics Society, which he could use to

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

for someone to watch over the shadows in

made. But remember, the Nine Mystics Society has no place

of his loyalty, understanding the

Colin could visit him

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

on the way back touched upon

his own pile

someone else's affairs would surely bring the

upon

nights

Vivienne got out of the car, she left

the Watsons. Tell them

nodded firmly. "Consider

away, Vivienne entered

The living room.

in their cribs, giggling at