The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne left the Brooks household and immediately dialed Cecilia to let her know that she was taking Isolde out for some fun. By the time she arrived, Isolde was already waiting eagerly at the doorstep.

"Vivienne, I've missed you so much!" Isolde beamed with joy.

Warmed by the affectionate yearnings of both Isolde and Thaddeus, Vivienne took their hands and set off on their little adventure. Amelia's home was situated in the suburbs, a good distance away.

Vivienne navigated using the address Cordelia had given her, only to discover upon arrival that it was a run-down neighborhood.

Amelia lived in a storage room at the bottom of the apartment complex. Cordelia had mentioned that due to their inability to pay rent, they had no choice but to settle for a damp and affordable storage space. Knocking on the door, it swung open quickly, revealing a woman in her thirties, looking worn and tired. Her clothing, washed countless times, had taken on a yellowish hue.

Vivienne froze at the sight of her. It was her!

Years ago, in Havenwood, her mother, under a concealed identity, was expelled from their home by Beatrice on a rainy day. With no transportation nearby and no shelter from the rain, a kind woman pulled up in her car, offering them help when they needed it the most.

At the time, Vivienne was unaware that with her mother's abilities, a simple phone call could have resolved their predicament, but her mother couldn't risk exposure by contacting anyone. Thus, the woman's assistance was a godsend.

Once in the woman's car, they learned she was a tourist caught in the Havenwood downpour. Dressed elegantly and possessing a generous heart, she booked them a hotel room and ordered them meals. When the rain ceased the following day, the woman left them five hundred dollars, explaining she wouldn't be in Havenwood for long and, unlikely to help them again, wished them well for the future.

That sum may have been trivial to the woman then, but to Vivienne and her mother, Karen, it was a lifeline.

Karen insisted that if Vivienne ever had the chance to repay the woman's kindness, she should do so twofold.

This memory had stayed with Vivienne. After reuniting with Karen, they discussed the incident. Vivienne questioned why, with her mother's capabilities, they had to struggle for money, even in hiding. Karen explained that while she could've easily earned money, doing so would've drawn the attention of GTO and Vanguard Agency. Using her abilities might have led to their capture, and while Karen herself wasn't afraid, her primary concern was protecting Vivienne.

"Thaddeus, Isolde, what brings you here?" Kaitlyn was surprised to see Thaddeus and Isolde.

Cordelia hadn't informed her that Vivienne would be taking Amelia out, so she was unaware of their plans.

Littleton, we've come to play

"Thank you

Vivienne, she asked curiously, "And who might

excitedly introduced her. "This is my sister! She's taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton, my sister is really

sister?" Kaitlyn looked puzzled. She had only met Thaddeus's mother before and not

yep, my sister is super pretty," Thaddeus gushed

Then she addressed Vivienne, "Well then, I

on others. But today, she felt

words. She eyed Kaitlyn, lips

aback. "I'm sorry, who

didn't

years ago, in Havenwood, you helped a mother and

still, took a moment to remember, and then her face lit up with

past Kaitlyn into the room behind her, her expression

"It's quite a mess

finish, Vivienne stepped inside, only to stop dead in

place

makeshift stove in the corner while a man lay in a bed further in. Upon seeing Vivienne enter, everyone paused, then turned to Kaitlyn with questioning looks.

so, she quickly explained,

I'm sorry, but we really don't have anywhere

her lips together, her fingers tightening at her side. After a moment,

of relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them to Vivienne, "These are