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?"

to Abigail

of contemplation, Colin, feeling indebted to Vivienne for saving his

a ring, signifying membership in the Nine Mystics Society, which

the ring, Colin was momentarily lost in thought, aware of the society's significance

accepted the ring, his gratitude extending beyond

watch over the shadows in the name of the Wright family until the person of

But remember, the Nine Mystics

his loyalty, understanding the

but Colin could visit him anytime by contacting the Linklater family. Grateful for her consideration for Winston's safety, Colin thanked her

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

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 was better suited for the task at hand. Leopold choked on

own pile of

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

down upon him. Thow

nights in the family chapel to remember

out of the car, she left Leopold with a

the Watsons. Tell them

firmly. "Consider

drive away, Vivienne entered the

The living room.

innocent faces glowing as they lay in