The Million-Dollar Heart

In the span of a quarter hour, Colin had awakened on the bed, his eyes opening to find Vivienne seated beside him. He blinked in confusion. "Ms. Hawthorn, what brings you here...?" Vivienne motioned for him to stay still, mentioning that the effects of the acupuncture needles hadn't fully worn off yet.

Glancing down, Colin noticed the needles and was momentarily puzzled. "Ms. Hawthorn, what happened to me?"

As Vivienne carefully removed the needles, she informed him, "The poison in your system has been neutralized." "Neutralized?"

The shock was evident on Colin's face, followed quickly by a somber realization. "Did something happen to that man?"

Vivienne didn't beat around the bush. "Declan has taken his own life. You won't have to worry about the poison's backlash anymore."

Unable to fully articulate his feelings, Colin's body clearly relayed the relief of no longer facing such torment.

Gathering his composure, he expressed his gratitude, "I owe you a great deal, Ms. Hawthorn. Without you, I might have been long gone, not here to see this day."

Vivienne, unembarrassed by his thanks, inquired about his future plans.

Gazing out at the sunlight filtering through the window, Colin sighed, "I haven't decided yet. Maybe after I recover, I'll leave Rivenwood. If Winston Wright is willing, I might take him with me." His glance towards Vivienne was probing, curious about her reaction.

However, Vivienne remained composed, subtly asking, "Aren't you interested in restoring the Wright family?"

This caught Colin off guard. "What do you mean by that, Ms. Hawthorn?"

now that Declan was gone and the family's position

Abigail and

a brief moment of contemplation, Colin, feeling indebted to Vivienne

a ring, signifying membership in the Nine Mystics Society, which he could use

the ring, Colin was momentarily lost in thought, aware of the society's significance but surprised to discover Vivienne's influential role within

ring, his gratitude

someone to watch over the shadows in the name of the Wright family

elsewhere, arrangements will be made. But remember, the Nine Mystics Society has no place for those with ill intentions,"

assured her of his loyalty,

currently not suited to return to the Wright family but Colin could visit him anytime by contacting the Linklater family. Grateful

departed, Leopold, who had been eavesdropping, scoffed at Colin's deference, disliking his

addressed him, ignored his muttered complaints about her decision to involve Colin in the Nine Mystics Society. Their conversation on the way back touched upon the

man and the patriarch down upon him. Throw barge in, break his legs, and force him

out of the car, she

Tell them their

nodded firmly. "Consider

drive away, Vivienne

The living room.

lay in their