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.

sight of the person in the

who

her, 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 her

delay, they had lost ground and soon found

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

I 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 bad luck

She had walked

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

was certainly a surprise.

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

more she thought about it, the angrier she

came saying one of her friends had too much

it was a trap set by David, and they

a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not just one or two,

she supposed to take on

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

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

his eyes

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

tore his gaze away from Vivienne, thought for a moment, and

a sigh of relief, turning to

to the Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t do something, he’ll

Vivienne was speechless.

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

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

nodded and took

relief. The Redwood family wasn’t far,

cab wasn’t really an option right now, so Vivienne had to run. If she was quick, she could make it

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

here fast, or you won’t have anyone left to look after you.”

Charlotte was bracing herself for the fight, Vivienne suddenly

“What are you doing back

Vivienne out of her mind? Couldn’t she see what was

why come back?

back, who would get her message

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