The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1123

Percival seemed to have anticipated Vivienne's needs well in advance, leading her to Carly's backyard with a knowing smile.

"These were left behind, not yet destroyed. Thought you might need them," Percival said, rummaging through the bags to pull out two smartphones. "The black one belonged to the town mayor, the other to his wife." Vivienne accepted the phones, planting a soft kiss on Percival's cheek as she prepared to step back and examine them. But in that moment, Percival wrapped his arms around her waist, deepening their kiss. Passersby, seemingly accustomed to their public displays of affection, glanced their way before promptly diverting their eyes.

As the kiss ended, Vivienne caught a glimpse of emotion in Percival's eyes, a smirk playing on her lips as she whispered, "We'll talk tonight, let's deal with this first."

"Whatever you say," Percival murmured, his hands lingering on her waist.

Whether it was Vivienne's imagination or not, she felt warmth radiating from where Percival had touched her, though he appeared innocently unaware of the effect he had on her.

Clearing her throat, Vivienne moved to message someone, easily unlocking the town mayor's phone.

His phone was straightforward, containing only WhatsApp conversations and contacts with Connor, a familiar face that sent a chill down Vivienne's spine.

She opened a message Connor had sent that morning.

"How's the situation?"

Vivienne replied to Connor.

"Everything's set. The linchpin can be activated at any time."

Upon receiving the message, Connor's expression in his office fluctuated unpredictably. After a moment of hesitation, he dialed the town mayor's number.

The sudden ringtone echoed through the yard, with Vivienne answering calmly, "Sir."

was the town mayor's

before speaking, "Why did it

and evading them took some time," Vivienne responded, her tone serious, dispelling any doubts Connor might have had. As they spoke, the town began to evacuate, and

this. "Once this is over, they won't be

her disdain, continued, "You're right, sir. Their days of gloating

leave it at that for now.

moment Connor hung up, an explosion rocked Luck Village, with bombs raining down and the mayor's mansion the first

only concern now the secrets held within the

USB drives, named according to their system,"

night, Vivienne and her team headed back to Havenwood, with

Jasper was joyfully reuniting with his grandchildren, the house buzzing

the moment he entered; wasn't the family supposed to be in mourning? Instead, the house

him from behind, "Ah, Connor, why

startled Connor, who greeted him with

tell something was amiss and looked at Connor with concern, "You look pale. Are you not feeling well? What brings you here

Jasper answered his barrage of

saw several figures

another by

was incredulous, unable

tension, "Why not? Did you really think those fools could trap me? It seems you've learned nothing from lurking by my side these past five years." "How did you know?" Connor's

wary. Though I didn't know your identity then, it didn't take

was blown, dropped the gift he had

with rage, "So, you've

a few steps forward to stand in front of Connor. "You think you can just show up here and try to pull a fast one on me? You've got more nerve