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 with Amelia," Isolde

"Thank

she asked curiously, "And who might you

hand, excitedly introduced her. "This is my sister! She's taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton, my sister is really nice; she won't let

puzzled. She had only met Thaddeus's mother before and not his

yep, my sister is super pretty," Thaddeus gushed

laugh. Then she addressed Vivienne, "Well then, I hope you don't mind

didn't like to impose on others. But today, she felt unwell, weak to the point of being unable to

brought back to reality by Kaitlyn's words. She eyed Kaitlyn, lips pursed, then said softly,

taken aback. "I'm sorry, who

didn't have

and daughter, giving

up with recognition. "Oh, it's you! You've grown so much; I didn't recognize you at

into the room behind her, her expression turning

faltered. "It's quite a

finish, Vivienne stepped inside, only to

was no place for

clutter everywhere. Two elderly people were cooking on a makeshift stove in the corner while

Vivienne, but failing to do so, she quickly

to Vivienne, "Ms. Hawthorn, I'm sorry, but

fingers tightening at her side. After a moment, she managed a smile. "I'm fine standing, Kaitlyn.

Vivienne didn't seem put off, Kaitlyn let out a sigh of relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them to Vivienne, "These are my in-laws,