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.

person in the lead, she couldn’t help but raise an

look who it is!

the lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in surprise, “Miss

9

back to see the others catching

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

a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front

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,

had walked into a street fight?

who had spoken up

was certainly a

hadn’t tricked me, why would I be here with only three

more she thought about it, the

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

trap set by David, and they

brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not just one

on so many people? So, she ran!

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

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

eyes lighting up. She was

rolled her eyes, disgusted. “We have rules. Don’t drag innocent

from Vivienne, thought for a moment, and said,

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

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

Vivienne was speechless.

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

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

and

Redwood family wasn’t far, about a five–minute

wasn’t really an option right now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was

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

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

Charlotte was bracing herself for the

you doing back here?”

of her mind? Couldn’t she see what was

left, why come back?

importantly, with Vivienne back, who would get her

of responding, Vivienne walked up to David, “How much were