The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 40

Vivienne and Isolde were munching on cake when they finally decided on where to eat dinner.

They went for French cuisine!

Given that Isolde was a kid, they ordered some dishes on the lighter side.

By the time they finished dinner, it was already eleven o’clock. Isolde was feeling a bit tired and wanted to head back to get some sleep.

Percival suggested that Thomas should give Vivienne a ride home, but Vivienne refused.

She wanted to take a stroll around the city alone.

Living up in the mountains for a decade, she didn’t get to experience the hustle and bustle of city life. Even on the rare occasions she came down to the city, she would always finish the business, and then head straight back.

The weather was quite nice today, with a cool breeze that made her feel super comfy.

Percival insisted on escorting her home, but Vivienne was adamant about going alone.

In the end, Percival caved in, only reminding her, “Send me a text when you get home, just so I know you’re safe.”

“Alright.”

Thanks to spending the day with Isolde and the delicious strawberry cake, Vivienne was starting to warm up to Percival. She wasn’t as frosty as before and even managed a small smile.

After Percival and the others left, Vivienne started to make her way home.

Tranquil Estates was close to downtown. It was no more than a fifteen–minute stroll.

But Vivienne took her time, taking in the sights of the bustling city.

Halfway home, she was jolted out of her thoughts by frantic shouts from behind her, “Outta the way! Outta the way!

Vivienne turned around to see a group of people running towards her, with another group of stick–wielding folks hot on their heels.

the lead, she couldn’t help but raise an

who it

ran up to her, the lead runner suddenly stopped,

9

back to see the others catching up, and without missing a beat, grabbed Vivienne and pulled

of Vivienne’s delay, they had lost ground and soon found themselves

twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called back up because you knew you can’t beat me, huh? Real manly of

don’t think you can just run away! In our line of work, winner takes all. It’s your bad luck running into me today! If you’ve got the guts,

left speechless. She had walked into

was Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her at

was certainly a

in his direction, “If you hadn’t tricked me, why would I be

about it, the angrier

came saying one of her friends had too much to drink, so she and

out, it was a trap set by David,

challenged David to a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her

supposed to take on so many people? So, she ran!

put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time, you’re leaving

Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got

eyes lighting up. She was beautiful!

“We have rules. Don’t drag innocent people into our mess. We’ll settle

gaze away from Vivienne, thought for a moment, and said, “Alright!”

a sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne, “Go, now.”

Vivienne could hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad

Vivienne was speechless.

like that, she was suddenly involved in their dispute, and now she was a

her at the Hawthorn’s, she figured she could

nodded and

relief. The Redwood family

right now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was quick, she could make it in ten minutes.

the other side had twenty people, they were four. They could hold out for fifteen minutes.

here fast, or you won’t have anyone

as Charlotte was bracing herself for the fight,

you doing

Couldn’t she see what was going

left, why come

with Vivienne back, who would get her

David, “How much were the