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

who

the lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in surprise, “Miss Vivienne?”

9

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

Vivienne’s delay, they had lost ground

in front of him,

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, bring your

She had walked into a street

character was Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her at the Hawthorn family banquet, from the

certainly

me, why would I be here with only

she thought about it, the angrier

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

out, it was a trap set by David, and they were

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

take on so many people?

in the hospital last time. This time, you’re leaving with a broken

Fine! But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it, let her go.”

glanced at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. She was

innocent people into our mess. We’ll settle

away from Vivienne, thought for a moment, and

let out a sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne,

could hear, “Get word to the Redwood family for me.

Vivienne was speechless.

in their dispute, and now she was

had stood up for her at the Hawthorn’s, she figured

nodded and took

relief. The Redwood family wasn’t far, about a five–minute drive.

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

abilities. Even though the other side had twenty people,

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

bracing herself for the fight,

you doing back

her mind? Couldn’t

why

back, who would get her

to David, “How much were the medical