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 lead, she

look who

up to her, the lead runner suddenly stopped,

9

the others catching up, and without missing

Vivienne’s delay, they had lost ground and soon found themselves

in her eyes as she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front

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

was left speechless. She had walked

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

certainly a surprise.

tricked me, why would I be here

thought about it,

was 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.

out, it was a trap set

he couldn’t beat her – and not just one or two, but

on

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

our problem. She’s got nothing to do with it, let her

at Vivienne, his eyes lighting up.

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

Vivienne, thought for a moment, and said,

let out a sigh of relief, turning

Redwood family for me.

Vivienne was speechless.

she was suddenly involved in their

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

and took

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

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

though the other side had twenty people, they

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

for the fight, Vivienne

“What are you doing

Couldn’t she see

left, why come

back, who would get her message to the

up to David, “How much were the medical bills