The Million-Dollar Heart

Flynn's condition was more stubborn and unique than Vivienne had initially thought. It wasn't like any toxin she had encountered before. Relying solely on acupuncture to detoxify him, she feared, would do more harm to his organs than good before she could even thoroughly cleanse his system. Concerned, Vivienne reached out to Brody, only to receive a text saying he was too busy to talk. This piqued her curiosity-what kind of toxin could stump even Brody?

She immediately called Draven for an update on the investigation. Draven reported that Chris, a man they had been looking into, was merely trying to siphon some money from the Brooks family to cover his gambling debts. He bolted when he realized Flynn's sudden illness could lead to astronomical medical bills. Delilah, on the other hand, was described by her acquaintances as timid and calculative, but not maliciously so, and often overshadowed by her sister, except in rare instances where her cunning surfaced. Something didn't sit right with Vivienne, especially how coincidental Delilah's appearance had been, precisely when Vivienne had the Millennia Aegis, an ancient and powerful artifact, in her possession. It was as if someone was orchestrating these events, waiting for her to reveal the Aegis. Percival arrived just as she hung up. Sharing her suspicions, Vivienne voiced out, "I think Delilah is actually Abigail."

Percival, with a furrowed brow, admitted his own suspicions. They both knew that if Abigail had always been aware of the Millennia Aegis, a direct confrontation would have been simpler. Why use a child as a shield and hide in plain sight? Determined, they decided to confront whatever plan Abigail had up her sleeve.

Over the next few days, Vivienne's life slowed down. Hospital visits were interspersed with days filled with comfort food prepared by Mr. Wolf, prenatal classes, and soothing music sessions for the baby.

However, their routine was abruptly interrupted when Cordelia called one morning, urging Vivienne to come to the hospital as Flynn's condition had worsened.

Upon arrival, the doctors informed them that while Flynn had been stabilized for now, his condition remained precarious. Inside Flynn's room, Cordelia, in tears, pleaded with Vivienne to save her nephew, emphasizing that he was all her sister had. Vivienne reassured her, promising not to give up on Flynn. She then inquired about their aunt, curious about her absence, to which Cordelia responded that she hadn't been informed of Flynn's condition.

As Percival stepped out to fetch Thaddeus, who had been waiting anxiously in the lobby, Vivienne prepared her acupuncture needles. However, just as she was about to start, she suddenly turned and threw a needle towards Cordelia, who narrowly avoided it. Shocked, Cordelia exclaimed, "Vivienne, what are you doing?"

a cold laugh, revealed her suspicion, "I should have known. Are

her voice turning sultry, "You're as clever as I hoped, Vivienne. I always knew you were special. I

room tensed, as secrets unraveled and true motives came to light, marking the beginning

stared at Abigail, who

a poor@mitation

felt a wave of boredom wash over her. Cutting straight to the chase, she said, "You've been beating around the bush for

mention of the Millennium Shield, "Delilah's" face twisted in anger, "Hand over the Millennium Shield, and maybe

the Millennium

eyes, "So, you do have it. I wanted to see how it works with my

coat, "Vivienne, your fate is to fall into my hands and

her with a detached coolness, as if observing a monkey at a zoo, "You think I don't know where you've