The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The undead were efficiently handled by Luke and Fredrick with their unique abilities.

Anna was taken elsewhere by the Linklater family for her safety.

Percival and Vivienne stepped out together, followed by a visibly anxious Arthur who was meticulously checking Sasha for any

injuries.

Upon seeing Jasper, Vivienne was somewhat surprised. "Grandpa, what brings you here?"

Jasper's gaze swiftly assessed them and Sasha, relieved to find no injuries. "I heard about the trouble with the Linklaters and came

to check. Never expected to walk into this."

"Vivienne, is that woman the one you've been searching for? Abigail?"

Though Jasper posed it as a question, his tone suggested certainty.

Vivienne nodded, catching the direction of Jasper's gaze. "Did you notice something, Grandpa?"

Recalling the shadow cloning technique he witnessed from Abigail, Jasper's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's just that her abilities

seemed familiar, reminiscent of sancient warrior lineages that have long vanished."

Vivienne smirked slightly. "That's not surprising. Most of her powerse from siphoning the strengths of others, not from her own

cultivation."

Jasper fell silent for a moment. "No wonder she bears a resemblance to other ancient lineages. She acquired them through such

methods."

Luke frowned. "There's such a technique in this world?"

Nan and Chi cover, their brows furrowed with concern. "We never imagined she was no ordinary person. With Vivienne

expecting, having such a dangerous figure lurking is far too risky."

The power displayed by that individual had exceeded their expectations.

Even just her cloning technique made her nearly untraceable.

Coupled with Abigail's array of other abilities, it seemed almost impossible for anyone to best her.

Luke pondered for a moment. "Vivienne, you can't afford any risk now. Why not stay with your grandpa at the Perez Homestead for

a while?"

Fredrick agreed, "That's a good idea. The old estate has defensive mechanisms left by our ancestors. It's a safe haven."

"Dad, what do you think?"

Jasper glanced at Percival before speaking, "Indeed, Vivienne can't take any more risks. If possible, both of you shoulde with

me."

Percival and Vivienne exchanged glances.

Vivienne gently shook her head. "Grandpa, Uncles, to be honest, Mr. Wolf's abilities have already surpassed level ten, and I'm

beyond level seven. Together, we are no less formidable than Abigail."

Luke and Fredrick looked at each other, unsure.

With such power, even if they stayed at the Perez estate, it was unclear who would be protecting whom.

Jasper was still worried. "What if something like this happens again..."

Sasha cover, linking her arm with Jasper's. "Dad, can't you see? Even if Vivienne hides at the ends of the earth, that woman

will stille after her. Rather than hiding, fighting back is our only chance."

Jasper patted his daughter's hand as if making a decision. "Since the enemy has shown themselves, | won't go back to the estate.

I'll stay right here."

Luke was taken aback. "Dad, your health is important. The doctor said you need a quiet place to recover, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Jasper's temper flared. "I've put my life into building the Perez family. To see it attacked like this, if | don't see those responsible

torn to pieces, that'll be the death of me."

Fredrick wisely kept quiet, letting Sasha and Vivienne take the lead.

In front of the old man, their words carried little weight.

Sasha sighed, "Dad, being stubborn won't help your health. Go to the estate and rest. Once everything's settled, we'll bring you

back, okay?"

Jasper was adamant, his decision final. "I've lived long enough to not fear death. But if anyone dares to harm my daughter or

granddaughter, | won't stand for it."

"No discussions!"

Jasper's word was final.

Vivienne opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by Sasha's shake of the head.

For decades, Jasper had endured much in search for her. Now faced with this danger, he wouldn't agree to leave.

"So be it, we'll stay in Rivenwood."

On the way back, Vivienne unconsciously caressed her belly, pondering Abigail's last look.

She felt there was a larger schbehind Abigail's departure.

Percival, concerned she was distressed again, covered her hand with his. "Are you feeling alright?"

Vivienne shook her head. "I'm fine, Mr. Wolf. I'm just wondering why Abigail suddenly left after finding out | was carrying twins.

What is she planning?"

Previously, Abigail's sole focus was her heart, even at the cost of the children. Yet, this time, she withdrew for the sake of the twins

in her womb.

Percival's eyes darkened. "No matter her plans, we won't let her succeed."

Days passed peacefully, which made Vivienne suspect Abigail was luring her into a trap.

However, a message from Draven plunged her into deep thought again.

"Young master, traces of those mysterious figures have vanished in the past few days. We've lost all leads."

Abigail had disappeared without a trace, but Vivienne sensed this was no good news.

She instructed Draven to keep watch.

Shortly after, Vivienne received a call from Sasha. "Vivienne, Anna's gone?"

Vivienne paused, "When did this happen?"

Sasha replied, "This morning. Her phone and other essentials were left on the table. She's still applying ointment to her injuries.

Going out in this weather will only make things worse."

Vivienne had a hunch about where Anna might be, "Mom, don't worry. I'll go get her myself."

After informing Mr. Wolf, they both headed to the cemetery.

And sure enough.

Not far away, by a tombstone, stood Anna.

Facing the wind, her solitary figure seemed even more desolate.

Vivienne approached alone, waiting silently behind until Anna noticed her, before speaking, "We won't let Daphne's death be in

vain."

Tears welled up in Anna's eyes, "Vivienne, am | useless? | can't even avenge my mom."

Vivienne pressed her lips together, "Anna, you have to understand, your mom left you in Havenwood to keep you away from all

this turmoil."

Anna understood what Vivienne meant. She looked up slightly, her gaze settling on the tombstone, "I know what she wanted, but

how could | live my entire life pretending not to notice, playing dumb?"

"If | can't avenge her, I'll never ive myself!"

Vivienne looked at her, "If you've made your choice, then brace yourself. Heal your wounds. We will avenge her."