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.

reassuring hug. The child's face had turned pale with fear. Percival upgraded the Ellington family's security to the highest level, changed all the locks, and reinforced the windows and all other potential

and Vivienne, then joined Percival and Richard in

audacity of leaving a knife

have offended anyone. The culprit had to

all good on

"Yeah," Percival responded.

it be a corporate rival?"

scoffed. "Unlikely. The note spoke of giving back someone, and the Ellington family haven't taken anyone. It seems someone's got their sights on our family. Stay vigilant, especially you, Percival." Richard tapped the floor with his cane, signaling his point

if anyone

years, though he never meddled in Percival's affairs, Richard was aware that his grandson was involved in perilously high-stakes business not meant

knife was planted at the Ellington Mansion,

expected the danger to invade

nodded. "Don't worry,

Richard pressed no further.

in the

still stained Imogen's cheeks. The shock had

was not surprising, though. Anyone who wakes to find a knife looming

for someone as naturally timid as Imogen, it

flinched, then quickly apologized, "Sorry, Vivienne, I'm just really

okay. Let me help

nodded, gathering her waterfall-like hair to one side, allowing Vivienne to

eased Imogen's fear, who

Imogen's glossy

don't cut it 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

less noticeable." She then turned to Vivienne, concern returning to her features. "About

worry. It's just a prank," Vivienne reassured Imogen with a smile, then caught sight

design. Though the tiger is a bit intimidating, I thought it looked cool, so I went for it."