The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne nodded in agreement.

It seemed Mr. Watson had sniffed something out to have unearthed this blueprint.

She glanced down at the spot marked with a red dot, her finger landing on the most obvious location, and asked Matthew, "What's this place?" Matthew recognized it instantly, looking up to reply, "Vivienne, this is precisely where we found those antique jewelries last time. We've already searched it once; there wasn't anything else suspicious." But Vivienne kept searching. Mr. Watson's marks on the blueprint were usually in the deepest part of the basement, and in the garden's peculiar features like unusual rock formations and gazebos.

However, one spot seemed off to her.

She pointed it out to Matthew, who couldn't immediately place it.

Percival squinted, slowly stating, "Looking at the overall layout, this should be part of the main building. The most secluded part should be the study." They stopped in front of a classic burgundy door, the lock posing no challenge to them.

The room's setup was untouched. With the original blueprints, finding the study's secret chamber wasn't difficult.

The real challenge was unlocking it.

It required a specific fingerprint to open.

This lock was highly secure, making Matthew hesitant to proceed, fearing he might trigger an explosive device.

Vivienne stepped forward to examine it closely, just about to start when a hidden weapon shattered the window, aiming straight for her temple with lethal intent.

Glass littered the floor, yet Vivienne remained still.

As Percival moved to intercept, Vivienne had already harnessed her unique ability, keeping the danger at bay.

Looking up, she saw a figure in black vanish from the rooftop.

Vivienne's eyes turned cold.

In that moment, she hadn't sensed the presence of anyone there.

Leopold's expression darkened as he watched the figure disappear, leaping from the balcony, "Vivienne, Percival, stay here. I'll go after them!" Anna and Matthew positioned themselves in front of Vivienne, shocked by the sudden attack.

Neither had noticed the assailant.

Percival's eyes turned icy, "Assassins." Vivienne neither agreed nor disagreed, "And not just one." As she spoke, more hidden weapons flew from different directions, the window now enveloped in darkness.

Several assassins appeared, targeting both Percival and Vivienne.

Their swift movements caught Anna and Matthew off guard, barely giving them tto react before a massive wave of energy enveloped them.

The projectiles halted mid-air, their tips glowing a ghostly blue.

Having apanied Vivienne for years, Matthew recognized the deadly poison on the weapons.

These people were after their lives.

Percival utilized over 70% of his ability, the surrounding area vibrating with the release of energy.

Assassins, unlike regular killers, were controlled by drugs, relentlessly pursuing their target even at death's door.

Themotion drew the attention of the Wright family's guardians, rushing to the scene.

Despite the assassins'bined powers, they couldn't withstand the onslaught of abilities, quickly succumbing to internal injuries. Members of the Nine Mystics Society arrived too late to capture these unexpected attackers, only to see them end their own lives, leaving no trace behind.

Vivienne watched coldly.

Abigail had finally lost her patience.

And these assassins were likely her last resort.

But the timing...

A thought flashed through Vivienne's mind as she instructed, "Matthew, check where the Wright family's defenses were breached." Realizing the implication, Matthew and his team hurried outside.

Ten minutes later, Matthew returned, grim-faced, "Vivienne, there's been an explosion in the basement of the mansion at the back. It's empty. We fell for their diversion." Despite his vigilance, he hadn't noticed an additional layer beneath the double basement.

The real valuables were definitely hidden there.

Percival clearly remembered the blueprint's markings, "The original basement wasn't that large. Only Declan and Abigail would know about the extension." Vivienne smirked coldly, "Or maybe only one person knew." Abigail, too proud to share her secrets, had probably taken what she wanted, regardless of exposure.

Matthew looked dejected, "Vivienne, should we search somewhere else?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Why rush? They haven't gotten their hands on anything yet." Matthew looked puzzled, "But isn't everything already..." Percival stood by Vivienne, pointing out, "Vivienne's talking about what's here." Following her direction, Matthew was taken aback, "Vivienne, we only have one chance to open this door correctly. Should we..." "Then blow it open!" Vivienne's casual suggestion cut through the tension.

Declan's secrets, far more secure than the lock before them, wouldn't likely suffer from a forced entry.

What intrigued Abigail enough to risk exposure must be connected to what was just stolen.

With Vivienne'smand, Matthew had no reservations.

Ensuring everyone's safety, they evacuated the building before detonating the charge.

A muffled "boom" resonated.

The study was unrecognizable, the explosion revealing the secret chamber's interior, which, just as Vivienne predicted, was protected by a fireproof layer, leaving most contents undamaged.

Matthew approached Vivienne, a mysterious box in hand. "Vivienne, aside from scash and valuables, this is all there was. But this box is odd; it'spletely sealed without any visible way to open it." en.kikistories Vivienne glanced at the dusty box and instructed Anna to put it in the car. Whatever secrets it held, she was determined to uncover them. Yet, one question nagged at her.

How had Abigail known she'de to the Wright estate? It was a spur-of-the-moment decision for her and Mr. Wolf. The only ones privy to their plans were the Watsons, who had unexpectedly delivered those documents to them. en.kikistories Leaving the Wright estate, Vivienne turned to Percival, "Mr. Wolf, don't you find it all too coincidental?" "As soon as we get the documents, Abigail's goons are on our tail." Percival had considered this but doubted the Watson family's involvement. "The Watsons have always kept to themselves, away from the power plays of others, Abigail's tricks wouldn't stand a chance against them, especially Since the Wrights owe the Watsons a life debt." en.kikistories Vivienne narrowed her eyes in thought. Who could it be, then? Her phone rang abruptly. She answered to Leopold's urgent voice, "Vivienne, we've found it!" His voice was so loud, Percival could make out every word.

Vivienne held the phone away from her ear, "Get to the point.' "Vivienne, I've located that witch's hideout. There are traces of her minions and at least a dozen bodies..." With a frown, Vivienne turned to Matthew, "Take smen and check it out." There was no longer a need for them to watch over the Wright estate. Matthew gathered a few men and headed straight for the location.