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.

of the person in the

who it

lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in surprise, “Miss

9

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

they had lost ground and soon found themselves surrounded.

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

admit, I can’t take you on! But don’t think you can just run away! In our line of work, winner takes all. It’s your

speechless. She had walked into a

girl who had spoken up

was certainly a surprise.

“If you hadn’t tricked me, why would I

more she thought about it, the angrier she

planning on grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends had too much to drink, so she and three others went over without a second thought.

trap set by David, and they

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

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

chit chat! You put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time,

of my legs? Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing

eyes lighting

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

Vivienne, thought for

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

Vivienne could hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll be looking at my

Vivienne was speechless.

like that, she was suddenly involved in their dispute,

for her at the Hawthorn’s, she figured

and took

The Redwood family wasn’t far, about a

now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was quick, she could make

Even though the other side had twenty people, they were four.

that, she muttered to herself, “You’d better get here fast, or you won’t have anyone left

Charlotte was bracing herself for the fight,

frowned, “What are you doing back here?”

mind? Couldn’t she see what was going on?

why

back, who would get her message

Vivienne walked up to David, “How much were