The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kaitlyn stared at Vivienne in shock, her mind replaying Vivienne’s words over and over. She had just claimed that she could heal Tyler's legs.

Life hadn't been kind to her; she had been living worse than a stray, let alone curing Tyler's leg.

After Tyler's car accident years ago, his family had sold their house and spent every penny on his medical bills, only to be told that his legs were beyond repair.

She never imagined that she would hear someone say that there was a chance to heal Tyler's legs.

This was truly the first piece of good news she had heard in years.

It took Kaitlyn a moment to snap back to reality. Then, she almost fell to her knees in front of Vivienne.

Vivienne quickly steadied her.

Kaitlyn, unable to kneel, clutched Vivienne’s arm, tears streaming down her face. “Ms. Hawthorn, please, | beg you to save my husband. If you can heal him, I'll do anything for you, anything at all.” Sadie and Julian also cover, and without a word, they knelt before Vivienne.

Vivienne, still holding Kaitlyn, couldn’t free her hands to help them up, so they just knelt there before her. “Ms.

Hawthorn, we're begging you, please save our son. If you can get him back on his feet, we'll be indebted to you forever.” Vivienne massaged her temples and had Kaitlyn stand properly before helping her in-laws up, saying somewhat resignedly, “I've given my word, and | intend to heal your son. Please, no more kneeling.” Vivienne wouldn't have had the patience for anyone else, but Kaitlyn was her benefactor, so she tried to be as gentle as possible. “Kaitlyn, pack your things. We're leaving now.” Kaitlyn hesitated, but seeing Vivienne's seriousness, she only paused for two seconds before agreeing, “Okay, I'll cwith you.” a The Littletons didn't have much of value, but Kaitlyn still brought sessentials.

In her eyes, staying at Vivienne’s house was already a huge favor; she didn’t want to impose any further.

When Vivienne saw them loading their pots, pans, and bags into the car, her eyebrow twitched involuntarily.

After a moment, she spoke up, “Leave those behind. I've had everything you'll need bought already.” Vivienne glanced at their belongings, adding, “And don’t bother with clothes either. I'll have someone shop for those, too.” “How can we possibly accept that...” Kaitlyn began to protest but was cut off by Vivienne, “Kaitlyn, please do as | say. Don’t feel burdened by this.” “But...” Before Kaitlyn could argue further, Vivienne continued, “That five hundred dollars you gave us may have been a small gesture for you, but for my mother and me, it was a lifesaving grace. What | own now is far more than just a villa; what I'm giving you is but a fraction of my wealth.” Seeing Vivienne's resolve, Kaitlyn nodded reluctantly. “Alright then.” Though she had agreed, she thought to herself that if she ever got the chance, she would repay Vivienne. The five hundred dollars she had given didn’t warrant all this.

Soon, they were all in the car.

Vivienne rode with the kids in Matthew’s car and turned to Thaddeus and Isolde, “I'm sorry, Thaddeus, Isolde, | have urgent matters to attend to today and can’t take you out. I'll drop you off at the Hawthorn Mansion. You can spend twith Amelia, and I'll take you out tomorrow.” Though a bit disappointed at not going out, Thaddeus and Isolde understood that Vivienne was helping a family in need and happily agreed.

Before long, the car stopped in front of Everview Villas, a neighborhood of affluence. As they stepped inside, Kaitlyn and her family felt out of place.

Especially Kaitlyn, who felt as though she was dreaming.

It had been over a decade since the Littletons had fallen from grace, and she hadn't seen a villa since. Now, faced with this reality, it all seemed surreal.

Vivienne led them in, where Matthew's crew had already cleaned the villa and prepared the rooms.

Vivienne had Matthew lay Tyler on the sofa and began examining him without delay.

Kaitlyn and her in-laws watched nervously from the side, barely daring to breathe.

Twenty minutes later, Vivienne stood up and announced, “It’s not a big problem. Starting the day after tomorrow, I'll cevery morning to perform acupuncture and apply a medicinal salve I've made. If all goes well, he should be on his feet within a month.” Kaitlyn and her in-laws gaped in amazement. “Really? He can truly walk again?” To be honest, while Kaitlyn was shocked and hoped against hope when Vivienne said she could heal Tyler, she didn’t believe it for the most part.

Vivienne, who looked to be in her early twenties, seemed too young. Kids her age were busy with fashion and dating, not medicine. She might know a few tricks, but Kaitlyn suspected her words were just to comfort her.

But hearing Vivienne confirm it, Kaitlyn was astounded. She had seen Vivienne press down on Tyler's leg, eliciting a slight response in those legs that had never moved in years. Although she didn’t understand how, the prospect of Tyler walking again was like a beam of light in her life.

If Tyler could be healed, the weight of guilt she had carried for so long might just lift a little.

Because of her, the Littleton family had shouldered too much. If it were possible, she would gladly die if it meant they could have a moment's peace. But even death seemed elusive.

She wanted to die, but death wouldn't come.

“Yes.” Vivienne nodded. “As long as he sticks to the treatment plan, he should be up on his feet in a month at the most.” A month was her conservative estimate. With good recovery, he might be standing within twenty days or so.

“I will definitely follow the treatment plan,” Tyler was the most excited of all.

Over the years, he had watched Kaitlyn single-handedly holding up the family, bearing too much pain. If he could stand again, he could help her protect their home.

“Great,” Vivienne glanced at the clock. “You two should rest now.”

With that, she pointed at Matthew, telling Kaitlyn, “This is Matthew .He's going to be responsible for your safety for the time being If you need anything, just let him know.” “Thank you,” Kaitlyn said with heartfelt gratitude.

Vivienne had grown immune to Kaitlyn’s consistent thanks and didn’t say much more, turning to leave.

Just as she reached the door, Kaitlyn called out, “Ms. Hawthorn.” Vivienne paused her steps, turning to look at her, “What is it?”

Kaitlyn looked at Vivienne for a long time, her lips pressed together before

she spoke, “I can tell you're not just anyone .The Abernathy family's people are so formidable, and yet you chased them away with ease. But

aren't you curious why I'm in such dire straits, what it is that I'm holding " : onto so desperately?”

Vivienne smiled, “I'm helping you as way to pay a debt. The thing you're trying to protect if you want to share it with me, then do. If not, I'll : an just help you protect it!” With those final words, Vivienne didn’t linger any longer and left the room.