The Million-Dollar Heart

Click.

The moment the phone call ended, Godfrey's front door swung open again.

Vivienne glanced down at the huddled Martinez family by the doorway; her lips pursed into a slight smile. "Mr. Martinez, such formalities are hardly necessary."

"Everybody up, now!"

Stellan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he glared at Leopold, sprawled out behind him.

A cluster of people awkwardly rose to their feet, their faces painted with awkwardness. "Uh, Ms. Hawthorn, we're really grateful for your help. Please, stay for dinner to thank you for taking care of my father."

Audrey, lounging on the sofa, glanced over and snorted disdainfully, then looked away, indifferent to whether Godfrey lived or died.

"Stellan, aren't you even gonna ask?" But she couldn't stand to see the Martinez family have it easy. "What if Ms. Hawthorn's treatment kills Dad?"

Griffin's retort was sharper, "Because we're not blind, we can see with our own eyes. Unlike you, sitting there like a frog in a well!"

As soon as Vivienne entered the room, she used her silver needles to stabilize Godfrey, halting his convulsions. The rest of her methods were a mystery to them.

But through the open door, they could see Godfrey's color improving under Vivienne's care. Clearly, her treatment was working.

Ignoring Audrey's sour expression, Griffin cuddled up to Vivienne. "You're amazing, Vivienne. You're my hero!"

Leopold beamed with pride at the compliments directed at Vivienne, more pleased than if they were for himself. "Of course, you've seen who Vivienne is with, right? Let me tell you, when it comes to medicine, there's no one better than her."

won't help you. Remember, you're paying for the scratch you

Leopold pleaded with puppy-dog eyes, "Considering I'm your youngest

"Remember to

Leopold's impromptu stunt left a glaring

Vivienne took Percival's arm and addressed Stellan. "Godfrey's not out of the woods yet. He'll need a couple more treatments. This toxin is a new one, and we might need to

quite familiar with this,"

same issue yesterday. Luckily, someone was with her, so the perpetrator didn't

targeting her mother.

in the light. This adversary

Martinez, we have other matters today, so we'll be taking our leave," Vivienne said,

derived from insects. That's where this toxin comes

narrowed at her words. "You're saying my father was

particular family, and Stellan

then subtly at Audrey, silent on the sofa. "Lancelot, let's not jump to conclusions without

investigate thoroughly. However, if he

a nonchalant wave, she said, "It's no trouble at

"Huh?"

lightly. "What do you mean, 'huh'? You wrecked Vivienne and Percival's car; now get moving

your fault, too!" Griffin clung to Vivienne. "She didn't ask me to pay for it. You were driving; you pay up. Surely, you're going to say

"Who said I can't?"

can't be challenged, especially not in matters of finance

competitive spirit flared up. "Of course, I can afford it! It's just one car! Even if I