The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Every time Vivienne spent time with Jasper, she felt a warmth envelop her.

This warmth was different from the kind she felt in the company of Dorian.

Dorian’s kindness stemmed from his affection for her mother and, by extension, to her, much like

Cordelia had shown.

Though it was a case of loving the house and its crow, it was genuine through and through.

But with Jasper, it felt as if it was innate.

Especially when Jasper looked at her, his gaze held the same affection as when he looked at Natalia.

Vivienne had a long chat with Jasper in the ward, where Zelda had brought out an array of snacks,

fussing over her like a child.

When it was time to leave, Vivienne said her goodbyes, “I’ll come see you again next time. It’s going to

get colder in a few days. Make sure you wear more than just that thin shirt.”

Jasper nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, I’ll go shopping for some warm clothes tomorrow; bundle myself

up nice and cozy.”

Zelda sighed from the side. “You only listen to Vivienne. I’ve been telling you to dress warmer, but you

never pay heed.”

They all shared a laugh, and with that, Vivienne got up to leave.

Once she was gone, Jasper’s smile slowly faded, tinged with a hint of reluctance.

“Is everything collected?” Jasper asked.



Zelda nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve kept the cup Vivienne used. I’ll hand it over to Yuri tonight and

have him personally supervise the paternity test.”

Jasper sighed silently and sat back down, continuing to play with his granddaughters.

…

Meanwhile, Vivienne returned to the Brooks Mansion.

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Pushing the door open, a chill swept through, prompting her to wrap her coat tighter. Just as she was

about to head to her room, she encountered Baron.

“Baron,” Vivienne greeted him coolly.

Baron responded, his eyes hesitating on Vivienne.

She noticed, “Something on your mind?”

After a moment of silence, Baron asked, “Do you know where your father might be?”

Vivienne chuckled, her icy gaze briefly scanning Baron, “You don’t know?”

“I don’t. I’m a bit worried. Could you ask Percival to look into it? I’m afraid he might be in danger.”

Baron’s gaze dropped, making it hard to read his thoughts.

“Sure, if you think it’s necessary, Baron,” Vivienne replied with a hum, then retreated to her room.

Baron watched Vivienne’s door for a long while before he left the Brooks Mansion.

Vivienne stood by her bedroom window, watching Baron’s car slowly drive away, the corners of her lips

curling into a subtle, knowing smile.



Baron’s car arrived at an apartment complex.

Upon entering, the heavy scent of blood hit him.

“Are you alright?” Baron stepped forward, eyeing the wounds.

Scott sat on the couch, with medical supplies scattered on the table before him.

Having escaped from Percival’s men, he had managed to evade the Vanguard Agency’s surveillance

and return to his apartment with Baron’s help. This was their secret sanctuary.

Scott’s lips were pale. The gunshot wound Vivienne inflicted on his wrist had almost crippled his hand,

and during his escape, Percival’s bullets had riddled his body. His injuries, aggravated by a near

drowning, were on the verge of infection.

If not for Baron, he would either have perished at sea or died from the festering wounds.

“I’m not dead yet, to your disappointment,” Scott responded coldly.

Baron, accustomed to Scott’s demeanor, showed no surprise. “I didn’t lead Percival and Vivienne to

you.”

“I know.”

Scott cut Baron off, clearly not interested in further conversation. After changing his bandages, he

retired to his bedroom.

Baron listened to the resounding slam of the door, his expression darkening.

As Vivienne prepared for a relaxing bath and sleep at the Brooks Mansion, she received an

unexpected call from Astrid.

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“Vivienne, let’s go out for dinner. Mom and Dad will be there too. Are you free?”

Since Scott’s true identity was revealed, Dorian and Cordelia had moved out of Percival’s apartment

and bought their own place. Dorian was now keen to focus on their business ventures.

Standing by the window, her slender fingers tracing the spines of a succulent, Vivienne replied

unhurriedly, “Sure, which restaurant? I’ll head right over.”

“It’s right below Dad’s office building. There’s a place called ‘Haven.’ Invite your husband, too. Let’s

have a family gathering,” Astrid suggested.

“I’ll give him a call.” Vivienne’s gaze shifted to the window, her lips curling into an ambiguous smile.

After the call, she texted Percival to see if he was free.

Percival did not respond, so Vivienne assumed he would not join. Just as she was about to dress and

leave, Percival’s car pulled up.

Vivienne thought, “That’s some enthusiasm.”

To Percival, when the wife calls for dinner, only a fool would not be enthusiastic.

Descending the stairs, Vivienne’s hair was still damp as she remarked, “You’re early.”

“Afraid you might be hungry.” Percival touched her hair, frowning slightly, “Thomas, turn on the heater.”

Vivienne was speechless.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books

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Although autumn was nearing, it certainly was not cold enough yet for all this fuss!

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

Soon, Thomas pulled the car up to the front of the bustling steakhouse.

Percival helped Vivienne out of the car, and only then did she realize just how many presents he had

prepared.

“Do we really need to make such a fuss?” Vivienne chuckled.

Percival nodded affirmatively. “When it comes to your family, it’s important to make an effort.”

Dorian’s family was Vivienne’s kin, and what mattered to her naturally mattered to him.

Inside the private dining room, Dorian’s family was all gathered. Spotting Vivienne, Thaddeus bounded

over with youthful energy.

“Sis, I’ve missed you so much!”

Vivienne scooped him into her arms. “Have you put on weight?”

A touch embarrassed, Thaddeus retorted, “Big sis said I’m growing, and I haven’t gained much,

honest!”

Vivienne pinched Thaddeus’s cheek, which had rounded out, and smiled to herself.

Not much, huh? But this was a clear sign that Dorian’s family was thriving lately.

Percival set the gifts down, greeting, “Dad, Mom.”

Dorian and Cordelia were still getting used to being called mom and dad by Percival, but they were

growing more comfortable with it.

“Ah, sit down,” Dorian urged, his gaze lingering on Vivienne.



He had not seen her in days, yet she seemed to have slimmed down.

Cordelia also noticed Vivienne looked leaner than before and quickly told Thaddeus to get down.

“Come on, get down. Your sister can hardly hold you up anymore.”

