The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1109

Gregg's attempt was a complete bust. He glared at Vivienne, his voice dripping with hostility.

He had been so careful, yet Vivienne had effortlessly dodged his move. She had to be more than what she seemed.

Seeing Gregg fuming, Vivienne didn't even bother to give him a decent look. "You sneak up on me and then have the nerve to play the victim? I haven't even asked what you were up to, which is generous of me."

Gregg, seeing Vivienne still had the mood for roundabouts, dropped the act. "What's your deal, coming to Carly's over and over? Stirring up trouble again?!"

"I'm just here to deliver some ointment to Carly. How did that turn into 'stirring up trouble' in your book?" Vivienne retorted, showing the small jar in her hand.

Gregg realized his suspicions were misplaced but instead of backing down, he tried to snatch the jar from Vivienne, who wasn't about to let him.

The moment Gregg stepped forward, he tripped and face-planted into the ground, his teeth hitting the pavement hard. Soon, a metallic taste filled his mouth. "What did you do to me?!" Gregg's roar echoed down the alley.

Curious heads peeked from their doors, drawn by the commotion. Vivienne could feel the hostility in their gazes as they approached.

Surprised, Vivienne crouched to help Gregg, secretly pinning a small needle into his arm.

The moment her hand touched him, Gregg let out a scream that could rival a pig being slaughtered.

His buddies, seeing this, didn't move to help but instead collapsed to the ground, their eyes wide with terror. "What are you doing? I'm trying to help and you shove me?"

Gregg was speechless, his anger choking his words. He could only watch as Vivienne put on a show.

this is the thanks I get?" Vivienne's voice was filled with righteous indignation, reaching the ears of Mayor Thompson and others before they even got close. When they arrived, they found Gregg and another man sprawled on the ground. The leader's

speak, managing only

What mess have you caused now while

chance to explain himself, only

Thompson, frustrated, accused, "Are you mocking

wife was even less kind, berating Gregg for always

come to cure the villagers as agreed, but this man has been nothing but trouble. If you don't take action, I'll have to assume you approve of his behavior." Mayor Thompson was taken

lying!" Gregg found his voice, incredulous but quickly pointed at Vivienne, "You're always lurking around Carly's. It's normal

and you know how much a girl values her appearance. Is it so hard to understand why I

I've never met her before. What else could I be doing?" Vivienne's scornful gaze made Gregg's

inexplicable fear of Vivienne, a momentary terror that shook him to

Mayor Thompson, "If you don't trust me, feel free to check

moment, the jar was returned, the leader's eyes carrying an apology, "I'm sorry, miss. We were overly suspicious. Please understand, I have to be

of the

his rage boiling over, yet

door when the leader's wife kicked him down, the leader sighing at his

scorned, looking down at Gregg without a trace of pity. The leader gave

and his company departed,

her mind replaying the words she had just heard from the mayor. The

had a

the corner

outside the yard. After listening intently for

Carly, who had been missing for several days, appeared