The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Downstairs, Vivienne slid into the car and pulled out her phone.

Another text message blinked on the screen.

[Transport, Astrid, someone else pitched in.]

Percival frowned slightly, “The mysterious informant again?”

Vivienne massaged her temples, her eyes reflecting a hint of frustration, “Yeah, still no trace. Whenever

I try to enter their domain, my system crashes completely!”

The mysterious person’s IP address changed with every message, and tracking them down led to

system failures or outright computer crashes.

The hacking skills were so advanced that even she was at a loss.

Vivienne had been trying to track the informant with no success.

To this day, she still could not determine whether this person was an ally or a smokescreen deployed

by GTO.

Percival glanced at the message, “Their wording is vague. Can you make anything out of it?”

Vivienne shook her head, “I can’t make heads or tails of it.”

The last two made some sense, but transport?

Was GTO planning to smuggle something out?

Their research was not complete yet, so what was it?

She did not have a solid theory yet and decided to pass the message on to the Nine Mystics Society for

Draven to investigate.

“Vivienne, where to now?” Leopold asked.

Vivienne pocketed her phone. “We’re heading to the Ellington Mansion.”

“To the Ellingtons? For what? Percival, didn’t you just leave? What’s this, homesickness?” Leopold

asked, puzzled.

Vivienne slapped the back of Leopold’s head.

When would he learn?

Percival thought, “When’s Thomas coming back? I’m going to go nuts with Leopold’s chatter.”

Thomas would have retorted, “No! I want to lie in bed forever!”

After being smacked by Vivienne, Leopold clammed up.

Vivienne’s slap was not ordinary. It was painful as hell!

Leaning on Percival’s shoulder, she asked, “Who’s home?”

“Just my mom and granddad. Isolde’s at school,” Percival said, wrapping his arm around Vivienne’s

shoulder and gently kissing her forehead.

A sudden brake from Leopold nearly sent them both flying.

“Can’t you drive? Hogging the road!” Leopold cursed, fuming.

They were in a limited edition car that usually commanded the road with ease.

Leopold had always driven freely, never expecting anyone to dare get close.

Percival glanced out the window. “Don’t you see that car there?”

Then, he paused, a shadow crossing his face. He stared at the compact delivery van, his gaze

darkening.

“Vivienne.”

“Yes?”

Vivienne replied solemnly, but a trace of amusement flickered in her eyes. She now understood the

message.

…

At the Ellington Mansion, Richard and Cecilia were busy selecting a wedding dress for Vivienne.

Though the wedding date was not set, it was always good to prepare early.

“This one’s perfect; it will look stunning on Vivienne,” Richard said, pointing to a gown.

Cecilia disagreed, gesturing to several other dresses. “Dad, I think these are prettier and suit Vivienne

better.”

Within minutes, they had picked out a dozen gowns.

Percival walked in with Vivienne, confronted by a sofa covered in dress designs, and paused. “Mom,

are you and Dad renewing your vows?”

Cecilia shot him a look and smacked his forehead. “Can’t you say anything nice?”

Percival was at a loss for words.

Was everyone around him prone to violence?

Cecilia said irritably, “I’m too old for another wedding. These are for Vivienne. Move aside; you wouldn’t

understand.”

She pushed Percival away dismissively and approached Vivienne with a warm smile, “Vivienne, you’re

here! Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve prepared some treats for you. Hungry for anything in particular? I’ll

have it made right now.”

Percival massaged his temples. He had wanted to greet Richard, but his grandfather had already made

a beeline for Vivienne, making him feel invisible.

Fine!

He was certain he was not the biological grandchild.

Vivienne must be.

After exchanging pleasantries with Richard and Cecilia, Vivienne said, “Grandpa, my father deeply

regrets what happened at yesterday’s birthday banquet. He sent me to offer his apologies.”

“No need for such formality. It wasn’t your fault; it was Jeffrey’s lack of sense. He should be the one

apologizing to your parents.”

Richard looked apologetically at Vivienne.

He knew she disliked the spotlight, but yesterday’s incident with the other family branch had forced her

to reveal her identity.

Vivienne did not blame Richard. His support for her was still fresh in her memory.

But because of some unsavory characters, the birthday celebration had been ruined.

She vowed to deal with them, one by one, in time.

After more small talk, Vivienne pulled out a sketchbook.

“Grandpa, I sketched this bracelet design yesterday. Our company’s imminent partnership with the

Perez Group hinges on this. It should meet their standards.”

Before Richard could respond, Cecilia exclaimed, “Vivienne, is this your latest creation? Isn’t this the

concept bracelet you introduced years ago? It’s finally complete!”

Cecilia, though an aficionado of fine fragrances to the core, was no slouch when it came to curating a

collection of baubles and trinkets.

Her cabinets were not only brimming with perfume bottles but also adorned with jewels that were the

envy of the elite.

The last time she missed out on snagging Master Jessica’s “Dazzling Stars,” she had been in the

doldrums for weeks.

But now, with Master Jessica as her daughter-in-law, a treasure trove was at her fingertips, ready for

the taking whenever she desired.

Vivienne nodded in agreement. “Yes, that piece. I revised some details on it just yesterday.”

Cecilia’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Dad, can I have the first one? It’s a masterpiece from

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ter Jessica, her first in years. Dad, please let me have the first finished piece. I’m begging you!”

Richard knew all too well his daughter-in-law’s penchant for such things. To deny her would be to invite

an endless plea.

“Alright, alright, it’s yours.” Richard chuckled in resignation.

Cecilia’s grin was so wide it threatened to consume her face.

As they were basking in the moment, Fiona pushed the door open and entered.

Percival’s gaze darkened slightly. Then, his eyes shifted toward the figure following Fiona.

Calista was there, trailing behind her.

Cecilia’s mood soured instantly; while not well-acquainted with Calista, she was well aware of the

Brooks family drama.

Especially Calista’s transparent ambition to marry her son was hardly a secret. The mere sight of

Calista was enough to irk her. What rank of temptress did this girl think she was to dare seduce her

son? She would have a say in that matter.

Calista stepped forward, holding a box that contained an incredibly precious herb.

“Good day, Sir Richard. I took the day off and decided to come over with Fiona. I regret missing your

birthday feast yesterday, so here is my belated gift.”

Fiona settled beside Richard, “Calista handpicked this for you. She’s been talking about it the whole

way here, lamenting that she couldn’t be here yesterday to celebrate in person.”

Richard’s face remained impassive. “Hah! This old man’s luck isn’t that good, and I’m not rich enough

to indulge in such luxuries. You’d best take it back.”