The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gillian was teetering on the brink of reason. The potency of the drugged aroma filling the room was enough to trigger tsunamis of the mind with a mere whiff.

With a fevered motion, Gillian kicked off the blankets wrapped around her, tugging at Patrick's sleeve with a hazy consciousness. “It’s so hot, so incredibly hot.” Her stunning figure was on full display, leaving nothing to the imagination of the onlookers.

From a distance, Vivienne and Anna stood side by side, watching the scene unfold.

“Damn, she’s got a killer body,” Vivienne remarked, her eyes then shifting to Anna's less curvaceous form. “Ah, well.” Anna blushed. “Ms. Vivienne, please, behave yourself!” “Girl, | didn’t even say anything. Why are you turning red?” Vivienne teased, playfully tilting Anna’s chin.

Anna stepped back, quickly tapping into Percival’s comms, “Captain Wolf, where are you?” Percival clipped the last yellow wire, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. “Get over here. I've found the new bomb.” Vivienne and Anna’s expressions darkened, the jesting gone in an instant. They fought through the crowd and burst into the guest room.

By then, Patrick had knocked Gillian out and re-wrapped her in the blankets.

He was utterly clueless about what was happening! Mara was equally bewildered. What on earth was going on? Why had Gillian been thrown out, and what were Vivienne and that waiter doing going back in? Was Gillian not supposed to be drugged with Percival by Ba, having...

Back in the room, Percival examined the new bomb, now defused in his hands.

Vivienne approached, her expression relaxing.

This undetonated bomb was a major breakthrough - it would save them a fortune and a ton of effort! The development of this new bomb and the detector had been burning through cash like water.

Even with the backing of the Perez family, Vivienne could not just stay entirely out of it and not pay a penny, and she had spent a fortune.

But now, with this prototype in hand, there was no need to keep dissecting bomb structures. They could just program the design into the detector! “Mr. Wolf, you're amazing!” Vivienne handed the bomb to Anna, then flung herself into Percival’s arms, planting several firm kisses on his face.

Oh, the money - rosy-cheeked and lovely! A visibly relieved Percival managed a smile, ruffling Vivienne’s hair affectionately, “This reward alone isn’t enough.” Vivienne hopped onto Percival, wrapping her legs around his waist, her forehead pressed against his, her voice laced with mischief. “Is this reward enough?” Percival, carrying Vivienne’s weight, swallowed hard. His Adam's apple bobbed.

This woman was pushing him to his limits.

If this kept up, he might be unable to hold back any longer.

Anna, on the sidelines, wished she could vanish into thin air.

Were these two really starting to get affectionate, regardless of where they were? Could they spare a thought for her and the bewildered spectators outside the door? Anna quietly stashed the bomb away, clearing her throat before saying, “Ms. Vivienne, Mr. Ellington...” Percival acted as if he had not heard her, his voice deep, “Vivienne, the timing isn’t right.” Vivienne kept her gaze locked on Percival, her words dropping deliberately. “All I'm asking is for you to carryout like this. How can the timing be wrong?” Speechless, Percival knew he was teased again! Suppressing a grin, Vivienne found Percival’s fleeting blush endearing, thinking how adorable her Mr. Wolf was.

Anna sighed internally, reminding them again, “Ms. Vivienne, Mr. Ellington, that’s enough.” Vivienne finally let Percival go, gracefully dismounting and standing by his side.

Only then did she notice the crowd that had gathered.

Patrick was at the forefront, his expression beyond shock - it was sheer horror.

Vivienne linked her arm with Percival’s, her gaze sharp as she addressed Patrick, “Mr. Ashford, are you enjoying the show?” Patrick snapped back to reality, frowning as he stepped forward, surveying the chaotic scene that hinted at his daughter's recent ordeal.

“Mr. Ellington, Mara said you saved Gillian, but what happened between you two? She mentioned that my daughter's clothes were still on when she was thrown out of the room!” Patrick’s question lacked any underlying emotion - a father purely concerned for his daughter's well-being, regardless of Vivienne’s presence.

Percival’'s gaze was icy as he faced the visibly upset Patrick. “If you want to know what happened, ask your daughter!” “I respect you as a guest and address you as Mr. Ellington, but remember, | am your elder. Now, my daughter has been stripped and thrown out of a room, half-conscious. How do you expectto ask her?” Patrick bore into Percival with gritted teeth. “She’s passed out now. If you don’t explain yourself, not even Richard's presence will earn you any leniency from me!” The onlookers, who had initially thought Percival played the hero, began to doubt his intentions. His demeanor did not suggest a rescuer but someone who had humiliated another.

Yawning nonchalantly, Vivienne interjected. “Did Gillian die or something, Mr. Ashford? Can’t you wait for her to wake up?” Patrick’s face stiffened; he wanted to say something, but as his gaze fell upon Vivienne’s nonchalant demeanor, the words of reproach died on his lips.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Gillian was currently propped up by Mara, who, noticing all eyes on her, hastily said, “Yannick drugged her. Even if she wakes up, we won't get anything out of her. Besides, she’s still out of it. Percival, we should really get Gillian to the hospital fast.” From the sidelines, Anna chuckled. “Miss, Gillian’s daddy's right here. Who are you calling for?” Mara shot Anna a glare capable of scorching paint. “Mr. Ashford needs to take care of the guests, and since Percival was the last person Gillian saw, he'll surely be the first person she wants to see when she wakes up. And what's it to you anyway, a mere waitress?” Vivienne could not help but join in with a laugh. “Aren’t you a waitress too?” Mara was taken aback. What was Vivienne implying? Pretending not to recognize her? Patrick stepped in to mediate. “Mr. Ellington, regardless of the circumstances, Gillian was last seen with you.

She's fainted, and you can’t just leave. | have to know what exactly happened to her.” “There's no need for that!” Percival shot Anna a knowing look.

Anna nodded subtly, twisting her wrist, and a slender silver needle appeared between her fingers.

She moved towards the unconscious Gillian and, with a swift motion, pressed her palm against Gillian’s back.