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.

no time, "Declan Edwards, how long will you keep up

the mention of his true name, Hunter stirred, his pale face

you know...?" he

you hid well, but these things are easy to uncover for those who

of the Edwards clan. Disowned for using your abilities for

infiltrating the Wrights. You used the family's assets to amass wealth,

through you was Ms. Wright herself. Despite her deep affection, she tried to cover for you until you poisoned her with your own

nothing like it once was, all thanks to

who can they blame?" Declan spoke without remorse, his ambition

a stepping stone in his

thumb, you could do as you pleased. So, how did

partnership was meant to show the Edwards-and everyone else that

a chair, insisting, "Only the best for

back, "So, the heart thefts were your

"Not entirely. Sometimes, she took matters into

seen how she uses these hearts?" Vivienne

fell silent, refusing to indulge

with Percival, they both sensed the depth

seek vengeance against Abigail for consuming your abilities, after all you've done

bitterly, "As much as I'd love to know her whereabouts, I've said enough. We're

seem to know her

fading from his eyes 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

derisively.

"