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

lead runner suddenly stopped, uttering in

9

the others catching up, and without missing a beat, grabbed Vivienne

lost ground and soon found

person shielded Vivienne behind her, anger flashing in her eyes as she addressed a twenty–something, buzz–cut man in front of him, “David, you called back up because you knew you can’t beat me, huh? Real manly of

you on! 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! If you’ve got the guts, bring your own

She had walked into a street fight?

Charlotte, the girl who had spoken up for her at the Hawthorn family

certainly a

in his direction, “If you hadn’t tricked me, why

about it, the angrier she got!

leaving the Hawthorn 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, so she and three others went

set by David, and they were ambushed.

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

she supposed to take on so

You put my buddy in the hospital last time. This time, you’re leaving with a broken leg. David brandished his stick menacingly.

But our feud is our problem. She’s got nothing to do with

eyes lighting up.

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

tore his gaze away from Vivienne, thought for

sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne, “Go,

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

Vivienne was speechless.

was suddenly involved in their

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

and took

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

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

was confident in her abilities. Even though the other side had twenty people, they were four. They

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

for the fight, Vivienne suddenly

frowned, “What are you doing back

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

left, why come

back, who would get her

much were the medical bills for your