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.

play with Amelia," Isolde

"Thank you for

to Vivienne, she asked curiously, "And who

"This is my sister! She's taking us out today. Mrs.

had only met Thaddeus's mother before and not his

sister is super pretty,"

Vivienne, "Well then, I hope you don't mind taking Amelia

impose on others. But today, she felt unwell, weak to the point of being unable to stand and care for

She eyed Kaitlyn, lips pursed, then said

taken aback. "I'm sorry,

truly didn't have any

ago, in Havenwood, you helped a mother and daughter, giving them five hundred dollars," Vivienne reminded

her face lit up with recognition. "Oh, it's you!

behind her, her expression turning somber.

quite

inside,

place

were cooking on a 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

but failing to do so, she quickly

Kaitlyn, somewhat awkwardly, said to Vivienne, "Ms. Hawthorn, I'm sorry, but we really

her side. After a moment, she managed a smile. "I'm fine standing, Kaitlyn. Don't worry about

seem put off, Kaitlyn let out a sigh of relief, then pointed