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.

in the

who it

up to her, the lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in surprise,

9

catching

they had lost ground and soon found

a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him,

But 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!

left speechless. She had walked into a

the girl who had spoken up for her at the Hawthorn family banquet, from the Redwood family?

was certainly

hadn’t tricked me, why

thought about it, the

family, she was planning on grabbing a bite with some friends. But then someone came saying one of her friends

was a trap set by David, and they

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

supposed to take on so many

time. This time, you’re leaving

want one of my legs? Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it, let her go.” Charlotte pointed at

eyes

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

Vivienne, thought for a moment, and said,

relief, turning

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

Vivienne was speechless.

was suddenly involved in their dispute, and now she was a messenger?

the Hawthorn’s, she figured she could help her out this

and took off.

The Redwood family wasn’t

a cab wasn’t really an option right now, so Vivienne had to

the other side had twenty

muttered to herself, “You’d better get here fast, or

Charlotte was bracing herself for the

you doing back

her mind? Couldn’t she see

left, why come back?

with Vivienne back, who would get her message to the

to David, “How much were the medical bills for your injured friend?”