The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Just two steps out the door, and Percival’s deep voice halted him. “Cback.” Thomas froze mid-stride, protesting, “Percival, if we don’t chase her down now, it'll be too late. We can’t let Samantha get away again.” Percival helped Vivienne to her feet, casting a dismissive glance at Thomas. “We're withdrawing!” “But...” Before Thomas could finish, Percival shot him a look that silenced him immediately.

Thomas couldn’t understand why! With so many of them against one, couldn’t they snatch Samantha from that person’s grasp? Leopold was just as baffled, but he could sense the strength in their adversary. Maybe Percival’s reluctance to pursue was because their lives were more valuable than capturing one Samantha.

The Nine Mystics Society didn’t take orders from Percival.

Draven, looking toward Vivienne, inquired, “Young Master, shall we withdraw?” Vivienne pulled two life-saving pills from her pocket, handing one to Percival and swallowing the other herself.

After ingesting her pill, she instructed Draven, “Everyone withdraw. Starting today, the Nine Mystics Society is on lockdown. No one leaves. Prepare our defenses.” Her words left Thomas and Leopold in a fog.

Samantha had escaped, and rather than chasing her down, they were ordered to prepare the Nine Mystics Society for defense.

What did this mean? Draven, long accustomed to Vivienne’s commands, i > I her immediately, and with a grave expression, he confirmed, “Understood, Young Master. I'll initiate Level 2 Defense immediately.” Thomas and Leopold were utterly confused.

Level 2 Defense? What was that? Was there a fight brewing? The apprentices from Emerald Mountain didn't question it; they trusted that Vivienne had her reasons.

Draven led the Nine Mystics Society members away without another word.

Seeing this, Thomas and Leopold resignedly passed on the order for the Nightfall Assembly to retreat as well.

The Emerald Mountain apprentices followed suit.

Now, only Vivienne, Percival, Thomas, and Leopold remained.

The life-saving pill was working its magic on Vivienne, rapidly healing her. This was the new and improved version she had recently developed, with the help of research from ST-1, far more effective than her original formula.

Vivienne turned to Percival with a smirk. “Mr. Wolf, we've failed again.” Percival took her hand, his stern face showing no sign of anger over Samantha's escape, and he smiled. “Indeed, we have. Let's head back and grab a bite to eat.” “Yeah. All this running around has madestarve.” With that, Vivienne and Percival headed out.

Thomas and Leopold exchanged looks before reluctantly following.

Outside the villa, Vivienne glanced back with a soft sigh, “Such a beautiful house, what a pity.” Then, she casually tossed the miniature bomb she'd acquired from Samantha and shouted, “Run!” Percival, anticipating her move, grabbed her and sprinted off.

Thomas and Leopold were a step behind but still dashed away at top speed.

“Boom!” A loud explosion and a burst of flames erupted behind them, reducing the top-level secured villa to rubble in the blink of an eye.

Elsewhere, Huxley found refuge within the Ellington Mansion.

Mara still had uses for Vivienne, who, after medicating her, allowed her to reside with the Ellingtons.

And thus, Huxley also ended up at the Ellington Mansion.

Cecilia was well aware of Mara’s past deeds and would have refused them entry, but with just a word from Vivienne, she held her peace.

Mara, watching her aunt close by and seeing Huxley, who had passed out upon arrival and was still bedridden, collapsed at Cecilia's feet, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Auntie, | only did those things because | was threatened. My sister-in-law has already punished me. She's medicated me, and from now on, Ill listen to whatever she says and turn over a new leaf.” Tears and snot smeared everywhere, and Cecilia felt a mix of disgust.

Was her niece stupid or just plain dumb? Seeing Cecilia silent, Mara clung to her legs. “Auntie, my mother was killed by F-Poison, and the Boyd family is no more. Everything I did was for Huxley. Please forgive me.” Cecilia, looking down at Mara, thought that if she had acted like this earlier, without causing trouble for Vivienne or indulging in crooked schemes, she wouldn't be in this mess.

She used to feel pity for Mara, orphaned so young, but now she somewhat regretted ever taking her in.

“Alright, get up. From now on, work diligently for Vivienne and drop those crooked schemes,” Cecilia said expressionlessly.

If not for Vivienne insisting on housing Mara and her brother, Cecilia wouldn't even bear to look at them.

Mara nodded quickly. “I understand, Auntie.” After the doctor attended to Huxley and confirmed he was fine, Cecilia departed.

Mara had been a constant presence in the room, tending to her brother with an unmistakable devotion. When the notorious F-Poison kidnapped him, she had thrown herself into the lion’s den without a second thought.

After Cecilia left, it wasn’t long before Huxley stirred back to consciousness.

Blinking at the sight of Mara, he seemed momentarily dazed before his voice, hoarse and weak, managed to utter, “Sis.” The sight of him waking sent a wave of relief through Mara, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she pulled him into an embrace. “Huxley, oh, thank God you're awake. | was so worried about you.” A swell of emotion followed Huxley’s cough. “Sis, | thought I'd never see you again.” His voice quivered as if he was on the brink of tears.

If Larry and the others were there, they'd probably roll their eyes at the display, but Mara was a sucker for her little brother's vulnerability, quickly soothing him. “You're back, that’s what matters. I'll always be here to protect you.” Huxley hugged her back, nodding vigorously, but in his eyes, hidden from Mara’s view, there was a trace of disdain rather than joy.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

At the CK stronghold where hostages were kept.

The iron door swung open, and Vivienne and Percival walked in slowly.

“You've come?” Flynn rose from the ground, greeting them with a smirk that seemed oddly out of place for someone in his predicament.

Ever since Percival had brought him here, Flynn knew escape would be no easy feat. His cunning had backfired spectacularly.

Vivienne and Percival stood hand in hand just outside the door, their gaze upon him icy and detached.

Seeing that neither spoke, Flynn addressed Percival in a taunting tone, “Percival, coming to see your dear uncle and not even a word to say?” His demeanor lacked any sense of the gravity of his situation.

Percival’s expression was a complex mix of emotions, and he remained silent.

Vivienne, ever composed, gave Percival’s hand a reassuring pat before addressing Flynn directly, “F-Poison, we've cto deliver a message. Samantha's been caught, and you— you're never getting out.”