The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival's face darkened.

Vivienne picked up the note, her icy eyes narrowing slightly. "Where did you find this?"

With a sigh, Flynn replied, "When I woke up this morning, it was on my nightstand. Imogen and I saw it straight away."

Cecilia was visibly shaken. "Our security system is state-of-the-art. There were no signs of a break-in last night. How could someone have slipped a knife under our noses? It's absolutely terrifying."

After a pause, Cecilia shot a hesitant glance at Imogen. "I don't mean anything by it. I'm just curious... Any chance your ex might be lurking around Rivenwood?"

Imogen dabbed at her eyes. "Cecilia, Flynn was my first love. I never had a boyfriend before him, and few guys were interested in me. Even if there were, they're all abroad now. I have no clue what this note means."

Flynn pulled Imogen into his arms, soothing her with gentle strokes on her back. "I know it's not you. Stop crying."

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Cecilia offered her a tissue, joining Flynn in comforting her.

Vivienne handed the note to Percival.

They all knew that this note was asking for Belle.

Clearly, someone was getting impatient.

Belle, undoubtedly, was harboring secrets.

For some time now, Vivienne had kept Belle hidden in a place no one would suspect without pressing her for information.

After all, she already knew what she needed to know. Except for the information about the boss of GTO!

But Vivienne was in no rush. The guy would slip up when the time was right.

upgraded the Ellington family's security to the highest level, changed all the locks, and reinforced the windows and all other potential entry points. Now, not even a fly could

her with Cecilia and

audacity of

returned from abroad and was unlikely to have offended anyone. The culprit had to be one

on your end?" Richard

"Yeah," Percival responded.

a

someone's got their sights on our family. Stay vigilant, especially you, Percival." Richard tapped the floor with his cane,

too well that if anyone

Percival's affairs, Richard was aware that his grandson was involved in perilously high-stakes business not meant for the

knife was planted at the Ellington Mansion, Richard

the danger to invade

nodded. "Don't

Richard pressed no further.

the

stained Imogen's cheeks. The shock had hit

wakes to find

as Imogen, it was all

Imogen's shoulder. Imogen flinched, then quickly apologized, "Sorry, Vivienne, I'm

me help you relax," Vivienne said,

side, allowing Vivienne to

skilled touch eased Imogen's fear, who said

smiled, her gaze lingering on Imogen's glossy hair. "Your hair

much. After every wash, he applies conditioner and shows me how to blow-dry it properly. It works wonders." As the mood lightened, Cecilia chuckled and said, "No wonder you cherish your hair so much. Isolde says you're always brushing it. It's taken care of

turned to Vivienne, concern returning to her features. "About that knife... It doesn't mean anything serious, does it? Could Percival have unknowingly crossed someone,

prank," Vivienne reassured Imogen with a smile,

noticed Vivienne's interest and showed her arm generously. "The tattoo? I got it while abroad. Flynn chose the design. Though the tiger is a bit intimidating,