The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne stood silently, her gaze fixed on Hailey's face, unwavering.

It was a tense moment, and just when Hailey seemed like she couldn't take the pressure anymore, Vivienne finally spoke up, her voice calm and collected. "Auntie, you can go back now. My parents are here; we don't need outsiders." Hailey choked on her words, ready to retort.

But Vivienne narrowed her eyes, a chill aura suddenly radiating from her. "Auntie, I'd advise you not to testat this moment. I'm not any less capable than my mom." Hailey shivered, memories of a previous encounter flashing through her mind.

With a resentful glance at Vivienne, Hailey muttered under her breath and walked away.

Percival approached just in tto see Vivienne watching Hailey leave, a storm of emotions swirling in her narrowed eyes. "Was it her?" Vivienne pursed her lips. "No, there's been no change in her aura." "So, it's two different people then," Percival concluded.

Vivienne's voice was grave. "Impossible. I would've noticed two distinct presences in such a short tunless she, too, possesses powers equal to ours." Percival frowned. "Ethan Grimshaw once mentioned that Abigail was exceptionally strong, bulletproof even. Maybe her abilities are beyond our knowledge." "Whatever powers she holds, she won't escape this time," Vivienne stated, her fist clenched tight, determination clear in her posture.

Percival's eyes darkened at the sight.

Back in the hospital room, Arthur had already summoned his men to take care of Alyssa on the floor and "Winston" on the bed. Percival politely said, "Dad, we'll report this to the higher-ups. There's no need for you to get involved directly." Arthur scoffed, "Why not? We're family. You do your investigation, and don't sweat the small stuff." Vivienne nodded, "Thanks, dad." She indeed had bigger fish to fry.

Though unclear why Abigail targeted Mr. Wolf, Vivienne was determined not to let anyone ruin her wedding with Mr. Wolf.

A week later, at the Wright residence.

Upon Hunter's return, he was immediately summoned for a "chat." After arriving hand throwing a fit, he demanded Robbie Colin be brought to him.

The butler hesitated but eventually informed, "Sir, Colin fell severely ill out of the blue two days ago. The hospital couldn't diagnose him, and now he's isolated in his room under a family doctor's care." Hunter snorted, "A convenient illness." When Robbie arrived, he was immediately greeted by a flying ashtray to the forehead, blood trickling down his face. Without changing his expression, Robbie picked up the ashtray and respectfully offered it back. "Grandfather, I'm unaware of my wrongdoings. Please enlighten me." Hunter eyed him coldly. "Alyssa's involvement in national secrets, and you claim ignorance?" Robbie quickly lowered his gaze, his face not betraying any deceit. "Grandfather, I truly had no knowledge of this." Hunter, seated in authority, watched Robbie intently. "And the billions under your control, where did theye from?" Robbie's face paled slightly but he kept his head down. "Grandfather, Alyssa did provide funds, but those were from her investments, not as you suspect." Hunter scoffed, "You've managed thepany for years. You should know Alyssa's financial standing. If she were that capable, she'd be in charge, not you." "And, I've heard about thepany. You tried to take my place while I was away." His voice turned sinister, "Robbie, I'm not dead yet!" Robbie knelt immediately, white as a sheet. "Grandfather, I had no such intentions. I only wanted to assert scontrol over dissenters, that's all." "Serve your punishment. Don't show your face for seven days. After I've made up my mind, I'll decide what to do with you." Robbie, visibly shaken, accepted the verdict.

Before leaving, he dared to ask, "Grandfather, what of Alyssa?" Hunter stood, his presence imposing in black attire, his voice cold. "Better for her if she's dead. Just for her actions against Winston alone, | won't spare her." In Colin's room, Brianna was desperately trying to administer medicine to her brother, who was too weak to protest.

"Bro, we should go to the hospital. You can't keep going like this. If something happens..." "Cough, cough!" Colin frowned, gesturing for her to leave. "Brianna, go back. I'm fine." Frustrated to the point of tears, Brianna insisted, "Bro, you're practically on death's door! I'm\ calling Grandpa right now. If this continues, they'll..." Her rant was cut off as the door opened. Seeing who entered, Brianna swallowed hard, nearly speechless. "Grandpa!" Hunter barely acknowledged her with a grunt, focusing on Colin instead.

He handed Colin a pill. "Take this." Without hesitation, Colin swallowed it and offered a weak smile. "Thank you, Grandpa." Hunter sighed, "Colin, don't thinkheartless. The Wright family can't afford to lose you or Robbie, especially with your condition." Colin's expression was somber. "I understand, Grandpa. I've never intended topete with my brother." "After I've dealt with Robbie, I'll arrange for you to stay somewhere morefortable," Hunter promised before leaving.

As Hunter's silhouette vanished, Brianna exhaled deeply, surprised. "Bro, was that really Grandpa? He showed a side I've never seen before." Colin's eyes briefly flashed with cynicism, then returned to normal, his feelings well hidden.

"Brianna, go find out where they're keeping big bro. I need to talk to him." Brianna nodded, understanding the urgency, and left with a bowl of medicine in hand.

The fact that Grandpa had sent medicine meant he still had a soft spot for my brother. There was still hope.

The door closed once again, and Colin slowly sat up in bed, his face betraying none of the signs of the gravely ill.

Soon after, Colin received a text from Brianna.

It was brief, just a few words: "The last mansion on the estate." Colin put away his phone and waited in silence.

Only deep into the night did he change clothes and make his way to the depths of the estate.

In the first room, Robbie was chained to a human-shaped rack, covered in blood.

This was where the Wright family carried out their own brand of justice.

Colin walked past the torture devices with an air of calm, approaching Robbie and splashing water onto his face.

Robbie jerked awake, and upon seeing who it was, disdain flashed in his eyes. "What do you want? Here to gloat?" Colin remained unaffected, replying coolly, "To me, you're the joke." Robbie looked skeptical, but Colin continued, "You've seenas your rival, always on guard, even when I was poisoned. Sadly, you bet on the wrong horse. I have no interest in the Wright family's affairs. mmMwWLlilOfiflo&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fifl0&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflo&1