The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne furrowed her brow, a clear sign of confusion.

Colin seemed to read her mind. "Brianna isn't really a Wright; she was adopted," he explained, cutting through Vivienne's silent questions.

Vivienne was momentarily speechless. It was as if Colin had anticipated her arrival and the very questions she'd bring with her.

Without needing her to utter a word, he volunteered information freely.

Unlocking the door, Colin stepped back, "I know Ms. Hawthorn has a lot more to ask. Don't worry, I'll be just outside."

Without further hesitation, Vivienne gave Percival a look.

Responding to her silent cue, Percival kicked the door down with a forceful swing of his leg.

"Really, Mr. Wolf? No subtlety?" Vivienne couldn't help but comment.

Percival shrugged, "Sorry, Vivienne. My gentleness is reserved solely for you. Everyone else gets the boot."

Silence fell between them as they entered the dimly lit room, where Hunter was pinned against the wall.

The scene made it clear why Colin had managed to capture Hunter so effortlessly.

Percival raised an eyebrow, "He's lost his abilities."

Vivienne scoffed, "Cutting off the source after use. Must be how Abigail acquired her powers."

Without the gift, one resorts to theft.

conscious Hunter, Vivienne wasted no time, "Declan Edwards,

true name, Hunter stirred, his pale face lifting

you know...?"

chase, "You thought you hid well, but these things are easy to

continued, "You're not truly one of the Wrights but from the ancient warrior lineage of the Edwards clan. Disowned for using your abilities for

the Wrights. You used the family's assets to amass wealth, transforming the Wrights into your personal empire,

cover for you until you poisoned her with your own hands, eventually eliminating

like it once was, all

Wrights sought their own end; who can they blame?" Declan

a stepping stone in his vendetta against the

coldly eyed him, "With the Wrights under your thumb, you could do as you pleased. So, how did

glint of cunning flashed in Hunter's eyes, "She offered something I needed. Our partnership was meant to show the Edwards-and everyone else that I could rise

chair, insisting, "Only the best for

sitting, Vivienne eased her aching back, "So, the heart

"Not entirely. Sometimes, she

how she uses these hearts?" Vivienne pressed on

refusing to indulge

Percival, they both sensed the

you not seek vengeance against Abigail for consuming your

laughed bitterly, "As much as I'd love to know

"You seem to know her

as he resigned himself to his fate. "I'm a dead man walking anyway," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Bringing this up now will only spell disaster for the Wrights. Might as well take it

snorted derisively. "The

"