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 couldn’t help but raise

who it is!

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

9

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

they had lost ground and soon found themselves

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

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 backup!” David retorted fiercely.

was left speechless. She had walked into a street fight?

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

was certainly a surprise.

tricked me,

about it,

saying one of her friends had too

trap set by David,

challenged David to a one–on–one, but that bastard brought reinforcements when he couldn’t beat her – and not just one or two, but over twenty!

supposed to take on

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

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

eyes lighting up. She

innocent people into our mess.

thought for

let out a sigh of relief, turning to Vivienne,

Redwood family for me. Tell my dad if he doesn’t

Vivienne was speechless.

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

Hawthorn’s, she figured she could

nodded and took

The Redwood family wasn’t

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

side had twenty people, they were four. They could hold out for fifteen minutes.

better get here fast, or you won’t have

was bracing herself for the fight,

frowned, “What are you doing back

Couldn’t she see what

left, why

would get her message

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