The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Lights flickered on as a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Cordelia approached, her eyes shimmering with hope. "You must be Vivienne," she said, her voice tinged with desperation. "Cordelia toldyou're quite the healer. Please, I'm begging you, save my child. He's only five years old." As the woman moved to plead further, Vivienne subtly sidestepped the outstretched hands, respecting Cordelia's connection by addressing the woman as "aunt," "Don't worry, I'll do everything I can." Cordelia intervened, trying to calm her sister, "Delilah, take it easy. If Vivienne is here, she'll surely find a way to help Flynn." Tears welled up in the woman's eyes, her voice rough, "Sis, I'm out of options. We've spent all our money on Flynn's treatment. I wouldn't have imposed on you if there was any other way." Cordelia sighed, her heart aching for her sister's plight, "We're family; there's no trouble at all. Flynn is my nephew, and I wouldn't stand by idly. Stay here in Rivenwood with us. Once Flynn gets a bit stable, you can start working at thepany. Things will get better." Delilah Wilson, overwhelmed by emotion, grasped her sister's hands, "I've been so wrong in the past, judging you and your husband despite knowing how much you cared. I regret not reaching out all these years..." Cordelia's eyes too filled with tears, "Let's not dwell on the past. Our focus now is on getting Flynn better." Listening to the sisters, Vivienne pieced together the backstory of her long-lost aunt.

No wonder she had never heard Cordelia's brothers, Dorian and Thaddeus, mention her. Family tensions, it seemed.

Her gaze shifted to a small figure hiding in the corner of the room.

Tiny and almost invisible, the boy was silent, not making a single sound.

Vivienne frowned, "Cordelia, take your sister outside for a moment. I need to examine the boy." With a nod and a wiped tear, Cordeliaplied, "Alright, Delilah, let's give Vivienne sspace to work." Grateful, Delilah nodded at Vivienne, "Thank you," before leaving the room with Cordelia.

Once alone, Vivienne approached the boy, who seemed even smaller up close.

A five-year-old should be nearing three feet in height, yet this child seemed barely over two feet.

Setting aside gic factors, only chronic malnutrition could cause such stunting.

Vivienne crouched down, addressing the boy gently, "Don't be scared. I'm a doctor here to help you, not to harm you." The boy retreated further, even against the wall, his fear palpable.

Vivienne noticed something, "Do you dislike the light, or are you afraid of it?" At her words, the boy's head jerked slightly in acknowledgment.

Understanding, Vivienne turned off the lights, softening her approach, "Is this better?" The boy nodded timidly.

Having encountered similar cases of psychological distress, Vivienne knew not to push, "I promise, no needles or medicine. Just letfeel your pulse, okay?" Hearing there'd be no needles or medicine, the boy hesitantly lifted his head.

Perhaps due to prolonged isolation, his eyes, which should have sparkled with youthful curiosity, were dull and void of light. After a brief glance at Vivienne and realizing his own vulnerability, he quickly looked away.

"My hands are empty, you can trust me," Vivienne reassured, patiently waiting.

Minutes later, the boy, gathering courage, timidly reached out his hand.

Vivienne nodded in encouragement, praising his bravery.

She then sat down, gently examining the boy's frail wrist.

After a moment, she assured, "I can treat your illness, but you need to cooperate. Can you do that?" After a pause, the boy nodded, giving his silent agreement.

Vivienne stood, opening the door to find Cordelia and her sister anxiously waiting outside.

"Vivienne, how is Flynn?" Cordelia asked immediately.

Vivienne fixed her gaze on Delilah, her voice calm, "I have a few questions, Cordelia." Seeing the seriousness, Cordelia reassured her sister before leaving to check on Flynn, "Vivienne's here; it'll be okay. I'll stay with Flynn, make sure he's safe." Delilah prepared herself, knowing the questions toe, "I've got a rough idea of Flynn's condition from the hospital. Askanything." "Is it possible he's been poisoned?" Vivienne's question was direct.

"Poisoned?" Delilah was shocked. "The hospital said it was due to long-term consumption of expired food and malnutrition leading toan failure. How could it be poison?" Vivienne explained, "Toxins, if not cleared, can mimican failure." Delilah paled, "And the poison?" "I can treat it, but I need to know the full extent of his injuries and conditions," Vivienne stated firmly.

Delilah, ovee with emotion, broke down, "It's all my fault. If I had fought harder for custody... That monster, how could he do this to his own son... When I finally got back, Flynn was barely recognizable." ñovels "Taking him to the hospital, I found none would admit him, seven suggested preparing for his demise. How could I, as a mother, just watch my child fade away..." Vivienne listened in silence, piecing together the tragic tale of abuse and neglect that led to severe psychological and physical ailments in the boy.

The emotional toll of such an ordeal can break even the strongest adult, let alone a child.

Choking back tears, Delilah implored, "Vivienne, my sister always said you were a miracle worker. Please, for her sake, save Flynn. If anything happens to him, I'll never ive myself." Vivienne answered honestly, "The poison in his system isn't severe. Treating that will be straightforward. The real challenge lies in healing his psyche, which will take much longer." Delilah's face lit up with hope. "So, you're saying you'll help Flynn?" Vivienne gave a slight nod. It was a rare request from Cordelia, and helping was no burden to her.

She had no reason to refuse.

"The toxins need to be cleared from his system immediately. I'lle by every other day to administer shots. During this period, let him take things at his own pace. Don'Dforce him into anything he dislikes." Delilah agreed without hesitation.

As Vivienne was leaving, Cordelia cout to see her off, urging her to take care of herself and not overwork.

Vivienne nodded, indicating Cordelia didn't need to see her out.

Just as the elevator doors were about to open, Delilah rushed over, pressing something hard into Vivienne's hand.

With heartfelt gratitude, she said, "Vivienne, I can't thank you enough el for agreeing to save Flynn. I don't have much of value, but this locket has been in our family for generations. If you don't mind, please take it. It would givespeace of mind." Vivienne instinctively wanted to refuse, but seeing Delilah wiping away her tears, she said, "You must take it. Otherwise, I won't be able to rest easy." As the elevator doors opened, Vivienne saw the urgency in Delilah's eyes and didn't push back any further, planning to hand it over to Cordelia next time, "Alright, I'll take it."