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

an inconspicuous bystander glanced their

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

moved to intervene, only to see someone

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

mission was singular: safeguard Vivienne at

was hit by the bullet and

"Mom! Are you okay? Please,

shooter as they rushed

from her shoulder, noting a small butterfly tattoo

her head, asking, "Where's

the shooter.

wouldn't just sit idly

her surgical gown, told Percival, "Call my folks,

by the day's events, hesitated but

call went through minutes later, with Sasha's

straight to

into a flurry of excitement and questions, to which Vivienne simply replied, "Come home. We need to talk." Hanging up, Vivienne pondered the complexities of the

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

two-hour surgery and you say you're

had to admit, maybe

Thomas, on the other end, informed her of Emily's relentless interrogation

a significant sum

complex plot with no