The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne and Percival returned to their place.

An hour later, Matthew called. "Viv," he began, "those guys in black were long gone by the twe got there, but we've ID'd the bodies. All missing their hearts." "Fifteen in total, all underage girls, and none of them in the system." Vivienne wasn't surprised.

The body she had found with Delilah likely cfrom the ssource.

For someone like Abigail, using the undead to harvest these victims for her healing rituals was child's play.

The reason she hadn't touched these people before was fear of exposing her final trump card too soon.

But taking the hearts of a dozen people in one go showed her resolve.

Abigail was gearing up for a final showdown! The next day, Vivienne took the mysterious box to Finnian.

When it cto exotic artifacts, no one was more knowledgeable than him.

Inspecting the box, Finnian nodded, "I can unlock it, but it'll take two days." Vivienne was about to leave when Finnian stopped her, "Hold up, take a look at this. Just found it." He handed her an ancient book.

It seemed at least a century old, documenting the cultural history of what was now the Southern Lakes region. But one line caught Vivienne's eye, tightening her expression.

She read the entire story.

Setting down the book, her thoughts connected like dots, a smirk playing on her lips. "So, my hunch was right!" Finnian stayed silent for a moment, then nodded. "If all this adds up, it clears up a lot of our questions." Vivienne's tone was somber. "Her motive isn't hard to guess. Power corrupts, and when you add a vendetta into the mix..." Finnian wasn't interested in motives, shaking his head. "What worriesis, if things have reached this point, she might just snap from years of failed plans turning her into a madwoman." Vivienne's smile was sharp.

Her mentor always went straight to the point.

"Exactly. She's even exposing her undead soldiers; she must have everything in place." At the mention of undead soldiers, Finnian's expression darkened. "Then you should stay put, letprotect you. Or we could hide out at your grandfather's. The ancient warrior lineage still carries weight; nobody would dare touch you." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, surprised.

Since when was the old man so protective? "Master, haven't you always taughtthat the only way to solve problems is to face them head-on? Only cowards hide." Finnian was taken aback. "This isn't the tfor bravado, Viv. Abigail's after the whole world. The stakes are too high, and I can't stand the thought of you in danger." Vivienne's gaze softened, her voice turning cold. "She won't get her way." Finnian wanted to argue further but was sidetracked by Vivienne's next words. "If we can figure out what's inside this box, I might be able to predict her final 'weapon."" "If you really want to help, focus on unlocking this. That way, we can stay one step ahead." Seeing his persuasion was futile, Finnian agreed reluctantly. "Alright, I'll get you an answer by tomorrow. Until then, prioritize your safety, and don't go anywhere alone." Vivienne nodded, then as she was leaving, she turned back to Finnian with a warning, "And don't tell Grandpa about this!" Finnian waved her off, helpless.

How was he supposed to keep this from her grandfather? If he found out, he'd rally all his sons to turn Rivenwood upside down. On the ride back, Vivienne sat in the back, resting her eyes.

Anna received a call, her voice hushed but tinged with hesitation. Vivienne slowly opened her eyes, asking softly, "What's up?" Anna glanced at her through the rearview mirror, slightly embarrassed. "Viv, my mom wants to invite you over for dinner to properly thank you. Are you free tonight?" Vivienne's cool gaze lifted. "I'm free." Anna was pleasantly surprised by Vivienne's straightforward agreement. "Mom, Vivienne said yes. Book the table, and we'll be there soon." After hanging up, Anna apologized on behalf of Daphne.

She hadn't expected her mom to suddenly decide on a dinner invitation, leaving her unsure of how to handle it.

Anna's cheeks were flushed with a hint of red, her smile genuine.

For a moment, Vivienne was taken aback.

She had almost otten that, without Daphne, Anna was just a girl who had recentlye of age, burdened with the weight of revenge that forced her to mature too quickly. en.kikistories Now, with Daphne's return, it seemed like the lost years were being reclaimed.

The restaurant was in the city center, just a short drive away.

Before getting out, Vivienne texted Mr. Wolf, telling him not to wait up.

Inside the private room, Daphne was already waiting. Her face lit up at Vivienne's arrival. "Vivienne,e in, have a seat." Anna followed, greeting Daphne with a "Mom." Daphne responded with a warm smile.

Vivienne settled down, her tone even. "How are you feeling?" Daphne brushed it off with a laugh. "Those symptoms have been part offor years, almost like they belong to my body. As long as I don't dwell on them, I manage just fine.b en kikistories OUMS Vivienne nodded, then offered, "If you don't mind, I have spain relief medication here. You can keep it with you." Daphne was taken aback and quickly refused. "Vivienne, I can't accept that." Vivienne placed the item in her palm, е "It's just a bottle of medicine. Please, don't make a fuss. If my mom finds out, she might think I'm not taking good care of you." en.kikistories Anna chimed in, trying to persuade her mother, "Mom, Vivienne's remedy is something you can't buy, no matter how much money you're willing to spend." Daphne, hearing this, didn't say another word and swiftly pocketed the item, "Well, in that case, I'll make sure to keep it safe." As they were talking, the waiter brought their meals to the table.

Daphne, always thoughtful, asked, "Take a look at what I've ordered. I hope it's to your liking. If not, we can get something else." The table was filled with dishes Vivienne always raved about.

Vivienne's lips curved into a slight smile, her question casual, "You seem to know my tastes pretty well, huh?" Daphne, a bit embarrassed, let out a soft laugh, "Well, I have to confess, I asked your sister about it yesterday. She's the one who gavethe scoop."