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.

time, "Declan Edwards, how long will you keep

his true name, Hunter

how did you know...?" he murmured, barely

thought you hid well, but these things are easy to uncover

ancient warrior lineage of the Edwards clan. Disowned for using your abilities for personal gain, you vanished only to resurface as Mr. Wright, through

assets to amass wealth, transforming the Wrights into your personal empire, all while the true Wrights remained oblivious

Wright herself. Despite her deep affection, she tried to cover for you until you poisoned her with your own hands, eventually eliminating the entire

nothing like it once was, all thanks

their own end; who can they blame?" Declan spoke without remorse, his ambition laid

a stepping stone in

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

handed Vivienne a chair, insisting, "Only the

eased her aching back, "So, the heart thefts were your

hesitated, "Not entirely. Sometimes, she took matters

uses these hearts?"

silent, refusing to indulge Vivienne's

they both sensed the depth of

not seek vengeance against Abigail for consuming your abilities, after all

to

"You seem to know her

anyway," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Bringing this up now will only spell disaster for the Wrights. Might as well

snorted derisively. "The

"