The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1089

Chapter 1089

Vivienne's mind throbbed with an unbidden ache whenever she recalled Grandpa's words.

She was all too aware of what he was trying to do.

He wanted her to leave behind everything that happened five years ago.

To start anew.

And, according to him, the fastest and most effective way to forget someone was to dive into a new romance.

Even if it wasn't Connor, there would be a second, a third suitor waiting in the wings.

Initially, she could fend them off with excuses about her work or her commitment to her charity projects with Juliette and Isaiah.

But five years had passed.

Now, it wasn't just Grandpa; Dad had also joined the matchmaking brigade.

The subject was becoming increasingly unavoidable.

Rubbing her temples, she asked, "What are you hoping to achieve?"

The moment the words left her lips, Vivienne regretted them.

Connor's smile was a mix of hope and understanding. "You know what I'm after. I just want a chance with you. Of course, if it doesn't lead anywhere, it won't affect our current relationship. You don't have to feel any pressure." His approach was classic and straightforward.

As Grandpa had pointed out, Connor was an excellent catch by any standard.

But... she wasn't interested!

If having someone by her side could offer her family some peace of mind, staging a fake relationship wasn't out of the question.

She nodded in agreement to his proposal.

accept Connor's "repayment"

I need you, I'll get in touch. We'll settle your compensation as a ten percent cut of the investment per appearance. Once this is over, I'll step back from

primarily to investigate Mr. Wolf's case. Whether she found any leads or not, she would continue

"Agreed."

crisp, understanding this was as far as

the street together

sleek black SUV idled by

two pairs of eager eyes peered out the window at Vivienne's retreating figure, tiny hands reaching

sis..." they called in urgent

"Shh!"

the driver's seat, gestured for silence through the rearview mirror before snapping a few

he sent the pictures than Sasha's call came through. "Maddox,

enigmatically. "Who else could it

be surprised, but the match Dad's been trying to make could actually work out. Vivienne's been alone for years. When have you ever seen her with a guy? This could

stirring things

looking for clues. It breaks everyone's heart. Better she starts a new chapter than dwell on the past."

still puzzled about where

Grandpa were

had he become

emerged from the darkness, watching

office, Vivienne reviewed the audio again,

late, she copied the file for

Juliette and Isaiah from school, but Vivienne, having a moment free, decided

Leopold insisted, hinting

something was off. "What's going on? Is there a

a clear reason why

he revealed that

had seen her with a man

morning and expressed and

up in

cautioned not to return

hang up, she

me drive

It was Connor!