The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Meanwhile.

Anna followed the figure to a secluded field, cornering the person in black who had no escape. With her eyes narrowed, she launched a powerful blow towards the person's back, her strike swift and fierce.

The wind from her palm cut through the opposing breeze, but the person in black sidestepped, easily neutralizing her attack and sending Anna flying several feet away.

Despite the aggressive move, it was clear the person in black had no intention of injuring Anna. Otherwise, the chase wouldn't have been a series of defensive moves.

With her brows furrowed but curiosity in her eyes, Anna noted the person used the stechniques she did, and their strength surpassed hers.

She couldn't believe there was someone else so similar to "her." She had to see who this person was with her own eyes.

Launching another attack, Anna put her all into it, forcing the person in black to counter with significant force. However, she suddenly pulled back, causing her opponent to pause, but it was too late to withdraw their strength entirely.

Fortunately, they shifted their aim at the last moment, sparing Anna a direct hit to the chest.

Still, Anna's face paled momentarily.

The person in black was visibly shocked, unable to believe they had hurt someone.

Anna, clutching her chest, emotionally asked, "Is it really you?" Without a word, the figure merely gave her a deep look before attempting to leave.

As Anna tried to follow, her injuries held her back, and she collapsed to the ground.

Years of longing and anguish cto a head, and she cried out hoarsely to the departing figure, "Mom!" The person in black froze in their tracks.

Tears welling in her eyes, Anna voiced her pain, "You leftalone in Havenwood all those years ago. Are you going to leavebehind again?" The figure halted, sighed deeply, and removed their hood, revealing a face strikingly similar to Anna's.

It was Daphne, presumed lost in an accident years ago.

With tenderness in her eyes, she approached her daughter, "It's me, pumpkin." Anna couldn't hold back any longer.

That nicknwas what her mom used to call her when she was little. Just hearing it made her instinctively look back, hoping it was her.

Tears streamed down as she embraced the person in front of her. "Mom, I've missed you so much." She had gambled on the slim hope that this person was the one she yearned for.

And her gamble paid off.

Daphne's eyes reddened as she helped Anna up, concerned, "Are you hurt? I didn't mean to hit you so hard." Anna shook her head vigorously, pain forgotten in the moment.

Daphne smiled wryly, "How did you recognize me?" Anna, eyes still brimming with tears, said, "I saw the mole on your hand at the mall." That was what made her follow.

Indeed, there was a small, inconspicuous mole on the back of Daphne's hand, barely noticeable unless closely examined. Anna took a deep breath, not wanting to blink for fear her mother might vanish.

Daphne sighed softly, "I'm not going anywhere." Anna nodded, her heart swelling with happiness.

Ever since Karen appeared, Anna harbored a hope in her heart, wondering if her mother, like Karen, had faked her death to deceive their enemies and might one day return.

And now, that day had come.

Wanting to lighten the mood, Anna wiped away her tears and changed the subject. "Mom, what happened to you all these years? Why show up now?" Daphne touched her daughter's face, “Let's not talk about that now. You're hurt; let's get you to the hospital." Vivienne received Anna's message the next morning, asking to meet at a secluded private hospital and requested she calone. Feeling something significant must have happened, Vivienne shared her concerns with Percival, who insisted on accompanying her. "I'll go with you." Vivienne shook her head, trusting Anna's request for privacy must mean she had important reasons. If it was a trap, she was even more determined to go. Anna's safety was paramount.

Percival, not entirely convinced, drove her to the hospital, where he and Leopold waited outside, ready to intervene if necessary. Chapter 1027 1 Thomas had been called back to duty, reminding Leopold of the importance of his job and future responsibilities, including supporting a family.

Chapter 1027 2 Leopold, left behind, lamented to Percival about Vivienne's apparent anger, hoping for ssupport in making amends.

Percival, with a mix of amusement and annoyance, made it clear his loyalties lay with Vivienne, leaving Leopold to navigate his own way out of the doghouse.

Chapter 1027 3 Outside a hospital room on the third floor.

Vivienne knocked on the door, found it ajar, and pushed it open.

Anna, lying in the hospital bed, called out, "Vivienne, you're here." As Vivienne entered and saw Anna in her hospital gown, she frowned, "What happened?" Anna, mustering her strength to sit up, was pale but spirited, "I'm okay..." "Why are you sitting up?" A gentle voice echoed from the bathroom.

A smile played on Anna's lips as she introduced, "Mom, chere. This is Vivienne, Karen's daughter." Then, to Vivienne, she added, "Vivienne, my mom's back." Vivienne, seeing the woman before her, suddenly recalled a photo she'd seen at the Vanguard Agency.

Sasha and Daphne, both in uniform, stood side by side with the Vanguard Agency's flag waving behind them. The woman before her overlapped with the one in the photo.

It was her.

The former deputy leader of the Vanguard Agency, Daphne.