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.

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 entry points. Now, not even a fly could

and Vivienne, then joined Percival and Richard

the audacity of leaving a knife

was unlikely to have offended anyone. The

good on

"Yeah," Percival responded.

it be a corporate

Ellington family haven't taken anyone. It seems someone's got their

that if anyone was stirring up trouble,

Percival's affairs, Richard was aware that his

time a knife was planted at the Ellington

the danger to invade Flynn's

"Don't worry,

Richard pressed no further.

in the living

Imogen's cheeks. The

though. Anyone who wakes to

naturally timid as Imogen, it was all

a hand on Imogen's shoulder. Imogen flinched, then quickly apologized, "Sorry,

okay. Let me help you relax," Vivienne

to one side, allowing Vivienne to ease the tension in her neck and

fear, who

on Imogen's glossy hair. "Your

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 so well that you don't lose much hair

do," Imogen confessed, stroking her hair, "but the frequent brushing makes it less noticeable." She then turned to Vivienne, concern returning to her features. "About that knife... It

a smile, then caught

Though the tiger is a bit intimidating, I