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?”

wait for Thomas to help him with his wheelchair. He just opened the car door and got out.

the car and walked up to him, asking,

gaze, “Nothing, let’s

other side.

entered the VIP ward. She stood at the ward

after taking her medicine. Vivienne rested her hand on the doorknob, debating whether to

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 ago, she wouldn’t have had to watch her mother die right before her eyes. She couldn’t bear the

you? Are you here to see me?” Isolde asked, her eyes sparkling as she grabbed Vivienne’s hand, feeling very

heart was inexplicably softened. She

to see me,” Isolde said excitedly, tugging at Vivienne’s hand. “Miss, can we go in?”

her, unconsciously entering

to see Vivienne,

care of some things

quickly poured Vivienne a glass of water, “Please, have

Isolde, “I’m here to

smiling, “Great.”

he left, no one could touch

hand on Isolde’s wrist and used the medical knowledge she possessed to check her pulse. After a moment, Vivienne’s brow furrowed deeply and her

Some of the toxins had been cleared, but her damaged

twinge of worry, “Is our

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

eyes lit up. “Can my face go back

“Yes.”

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

You can’t tell anyone

thought: Better play