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 of

their guard, an inconspicuous bystander glanced their way, a

her eyebrow, Vivienne prepared to counter, but the gunman shifted aim to Emily and

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

Vivienne's elite guards, who were solely focused on her safety, missed protecting

mission was singular: safeguard Vivienne

the bullet

caught Daphne, crying out, "Mom!

team to follow the shooter as they rushed Daphne to

the bullet from her shoulder, noting a small butterfly tattoo

her head,

replied with concern, "We've got the shooter. She insisted on interrogating

Vivienne understood she wouldn't just sit idly by, especially not when someone she loved was

"Call my

by the day's events,

later, with Sasha's voice coming through,

straight to the point, "Mom, Daphne's

and questions, to which Vivienne simply replied, "Come home. We need to talk." Hanging up, Vivienne pondered the

Percival ensuring Daphne's safety, Vivienne decided to check on Emily but

two-hour surgery and you say

admit, maybe Mr. Wolf

updated over the phone. Thomas, on the other end, informed her

significant sum of money, but the details remained

specifics revealed a complex plot with no clear answers, leaving more