The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1090

Chapter 1090

Matthew was rooted to the spot.

Should he be making himself scarce now?

The way things were heading, it felt like sticking around for even a second longer was tempting fate.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Connor was ready to leave, but the old man wouldn't have it.

He insisted on having Connor stay for dinner.

"I haven't properly thanked you for saving Juliette last time. You can't refuse me today. It's still early; how about joining an old man for a game of chess?"

With the conversation taking such a turn, Connor couldn't well refuse anymore.

He obliged the old man's wishes and followed him.

Outside, Vivienne narrowed her eyes.

Had she underestimated someone's cunning?

Matthew, trailing behind, swallowed nervously and whispered, "Vivienne, I think I'll head back too."

Vivienne turned, giving him instructions, "I might be tied up with some stuff lately. Keep an eye on things at Rivenwood for me, and call me if anything comes up." Matthew thought Vivienne's "some stuff" had something to do with the man from earlier.

He didn't dare ask more, "Don't worry, Vivienne. I'll keep an eye on the company. Nothing will go wrong."

Saying this, he quickly got into his car and drove away.

Vivienne didn't use the front hall, opting to circle back to her room through the outside corridor.

Having rushed back from abroad upon receiving some news, she hadn't really rested and now craved some quiet.

When she woke up again, it was nearly dark.

Glancing at the clock on the wall-it was six.

daylight hadn't faded completely yet, but

echoed from the

thinking Leopold had brought the kids back, was about to make a call but decided to walk

living room, only Yorick and Connor

"Didn't expect you to be quite the chess player

I'm but a novice.

Vivienne, he stood

look, then asked Yorick, "Grandpa, hasn't Leopold

time, "Your dad just spoke with Leopold on the phone. They're on their way back. The kids were playing on the mountain and fell asleep on the drive back. Leopold's been driving carefully, probably delayed because of that." Vivienne pursed

cup of hot tea, "They should be back soon. Don't

tea,

friends; no need for

realizing he was deliberately speaking for the benefit of the

clarify but seeing the smile on her grandfather's face, she chose

then, her phone rang-it

where he was, but Leopold's breathless shout cut through, "Vivienne, it's bad.

"What did you say?"

turned cold,

ambushed on the way back. They came prepared, in three groups, trapping our people and taking the

couldn't see faces. But one thing's sure,

resolve. She knew who was responsible, "I'm on

"I'll come with you."

Connor hadn't heard much, he guessed it involved

else could cause such a

more help, the better. You guys go ahead. I'll contact your dad to seal

etched with worry. The kids were the family's treasures. If anything happened to them, even flaying those

for

car, Leopold, arm bleeding profusely, approached with a grim face, "Vivienne, the kids' trackers are gone.

a pill, "Take

the pill and then at Vivienne, his throat tight. He wished she'd scold him instead,

Juliette and Isaiah to see you like this, or would you prefer to bleed out

fault. If only he hadn't come to the mountains, or had

followed by members of the Nine Mystics

"Miss."

sternly, "Can we still track

had always ensured the kids