The Million-Dollar Heart

Halfway through dinner, Daphne took the initiative, lifting her wine glass in a toast to Vivienne. "Viv, this one's for you, on behalf of my precious Emily. If it hadn't been for you taking her away from that godforsaken place of Havenwood and mentoring her, I can't begin to

imagine what could have become of her."

"Now, seeing her thriving by your side, I reckon it's the universe doing us a solid."

Perhaps memories of her own past trials made her emotional, as Daphne's eyes briefly welled up.

Vivienne stood up, her response heartfelt, "You're giving me too much credit. Emily's success at Vanguard Agency is all her own doing. All I did was recognize her potential."

Then, replacing her wine with a glass of water nearby, she added, "Been battling a bit of a cold, hope you don't mind my switching to water."

Daphne nodded in understanding, letting her be at ease, as she herself downed the wine.

The dinner went smoothly, wrapping up in a warm atmosphere. Vivienne offered Daphne a ride home.

As they left the restaurant, a sudden chill of danger washed over them. Across the street, a group of menacing figures in black, armed and heading straight for them, appeared out of nowhere.

"Viv, watch out!" Emily was the first to react, instinctively stepping in front of Vivienne.

Before Emily could act, a dozen elite guards materialized around Vivienne, swiftly encircling the attackers.

The confrontation was quickly contained, with Vivienne's gaze turning icy.

These were operatives of Mr. Wolf, a last resort not deployed lightly.

had been aware

an inconspicuous bystander glanced their way, a gun blatantly aimed

prepared to counter, but the gunman shifted aim to Emily and fired without

darkened as she moved to intervene, only to see someone else

who were solely focused on her safety, missed protecting one of

safeguard Vivienne at

the bullet and collapsed

Daphne, crying out, "Mom! Are you okay? Please, don't scare

to follow the shooter as they rushed

on Daphne herself. She carefully extracted the bullet from her shoulder, noting a small butterfly tattoo with an existing scar. After the surgery, Percival approached, gripping her

head, asking, "Where's

the shooter. She

temperament, Vivienne understood she wouldn't just sit idly by, especially not

removing her surgical gown, told Percival, "Call my folks, I've got questions

still shaken by the day's events, hesitated

minutes later, with Sasha's voice coming

to the

which Vivienne simply replied, "Come home. We need to talk." Hanging up,

hospital, with Percival ensuring Daphne's safety, Vivienne decided to check on Emily but was stopped by Percival's insistence on her

surgery and you say you're

admit, maybe Mr. Wolf had a

rest, Vivienne stayed updated over the phone. Thomas, on the other

had been motivated by a significant sum of money,

plot with no clear answers, leaving more