The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1122

Mrs. Thompson, Mayor Thompson's wife, dangled precariously above a large pool swarming with vicious piranhas. The sight of the thrashing fish below, their mouths full of razor-sharp teeth, sent a wave of nausea through her. "If you dare to lie during questioning, we'll lower you inch by inch until you're nothing but fish food," Percival said, his tone nonchalant as he adjusted his cufflinks, giving her two minutes to ponder her fate.

Those two minutes were pure torture for Mrs. Thompson, who had been contemplating death not long ago. Now, faced with the immediate threat, she hesitated.

As the timer ran out, Percival commanded, "First question."

"Who is this 'Mr. X' you keep referring to?"

Terrified, Mrs. Thompson avoided Percival's gaze, knowing full well he would see through any deception.

"It's Connor," she finally blurted out, her voice trembling. "We only met him once a few years back when he supplied us with the poison. After that, it was only phone contacts."

With her life hanging in the balance, she rushed to satisfy Percival's demands.

"What's needed to wake those who've been knocked out?" Percival inquired, examining a pair of pliers with interest.

"They... ah! They just need to leave the village!" Mrs. Thompson cried out, her feet inches away from the snapping jaws below.

with,"

of any fight left in her was apparent as the piranhas took their chance, tearing flesh from her legs. Screams filled the dungeon until the water, now a dark crimson, silenced

to move the rescued women to safety while he searched the Luck Village for any remaining secrets, instructing his team

receiving a mysterious phone call, Percival rushed out,

cooed, hugging Vivienne with exaggerated care, mindful not to hurt her. Vivienne, surrounded by her concerned children, Juliette and Isaiah, both teary-eyed, felt overwhelmed. "Have I been

the

to find Vivienne safe, immediately focusing on her well-being and discussing

home, sparing them from the harsh

words to Vivienne, "Mommy, come back soon. We'll miss you," softened the

and Percival, now

to confront the

questioning the presence of an unseen observer, hinting at deeper layers yet to

hide and seek with

like she lost her mind just because she

from behind her, "I thought you were fine and was about

headache coming on at the thought of her brothers