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.

yours to deal with," Percival coldly ordered, dismissing the

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 them, leaving Mrs. Thompson to her grim fate. Once the screams ceased, the

for any remaining secrets, instructing his team

phone call, Percival rushed out, driving recklessly to the

care, mindful not to hurt her. Vivienne, surrounded by her concerned children, Juliette and Isaiah, both teary-eyed, felt overwhelmed. "Have I been asleep long?"

entering the room,

on her well-being and discussing their next steps

heart, Vivienne insisted the children be taken home, sparing them from the harsh realities awaiting their

Vivienne, "Mommy, come

and Percival,

to confront

with Vivienne questioning the presence of an unseen

hide and seek with her

like she lost her

were fine and was about to sneak off without a word. Didn't expect you

keep my secret from everyone else?" Vivienne couldn't help but feel a headache coming on at the thought of her brothers