The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 9

Vivienne returned to her own bedroom and walked to the window, her expression extremely serious. She thought about the little girl she had just saved at the entrance of the mall, her brow furrowed tightly.

She had spotted it instantly. The girl was poisoned, and not just by any poison but a potent one concocted by her own mother that could mutilate the face if it took effect. Before her mom passed, someone had come to snatch the formula for the poison. It had taken her years to figure out the antidote.

Vivienne tapped her fingers lightly against the window sill, deep in thought. Time was running out for the girl. Who in the world took the poison formula, and why on earth would they poison a kid?

Vivienne ceased her tapping, pulled out her phone and dialed Matthew.

“Can you check if any hospital admitted a five–year–old girl with sores all over her face today?”

Matthew responded with a quick “okay” and hung up. Vivienne leaned against the window with her phone in hand, waiting quietly. About half an hour later, Matthew called back, “Found her. She’s in the VIP ward in Havenwood Hospital’s internal medicine department.”

“Alright, got it.”

Two days later.

Vivienne arrived at Havenwood Hospital. As she got out of the cab and walked into the hospital, a black sedan zoomed past her.

Inside the car, Percival caught sight of Vivienne in the rear–view mirror. His eyes narrowed instantly, “Stop the car.”

Thomas hit the brakes hard, sending everyone lurching forward. He turned to ask, “What’s up, Mr. Ellington?”

his wheelchair. He just opened the car door and

and walked up

his gaze, “Nothing, let’s go.”

the other side.

the ward door, looking at the little girl.

Vivienne rested her

was one of the toughest decisions she’d ever made in her life. Getting involved could blow her cover. Her mother’s affairs were complicated, and she needed to remain low–key. But the thought of the little girl’s bright, clear eyes gave her pause. If only someone had helped her ten years

“Miss, is that you? Are you here to see me?” Isolde asked, her eyes sparkling as she grabbed Vivienne’s hand, feeling very delighted. She’d caught a glimpse

Isolde’s clear eyes. Her heart was inexplicably

excitedly, tugging at Vivienne’s hand.

along by her,

looked surprised to see Vivienne, “Ms. Hawthorn?”

I came to take care of some things and saw

Vivienne a glass of water, “Please, have

nodded, then turned to Isolde, “I’m here to check

nodded, smiling, “Great.”

obedient demeanor left Eartha stunned. Because Isolde always hated it when doctors examined her. She’d only behave a little when Percival was around, but as soon as he left, no one could touch her. Yet now, she was voluntarily extending her hand to Ms. Hawthorn, so well–behaved it was unbelievable. If she hadn’t seen it

to check her pulse. After a moment, Vivienne’s brow furrowed

her medicine, the poison had already infiltrated her organs. Some of the toxins had

of worry, “Is our

lips pressed together. She reached out to stroke Isolde’s head, speaking softly, “I can cure your disease, but it might

up. “Can my face go back

“Yes.”

“As long as you’re here, I’m not scared.”

condition. You can’t tell anyone

play it safe.