The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival reached out and swiped a finger through the frosting, popping it directly into his mouth.

The next instant, his face contorted in agony, an expression of pain so intense it had never before graced his features.

“Is it poisoned?” Vivienne yelled out, alarm knitting her brow.

Percival waved her off, steadying himself on her knee. “It's just... incredibly bitter.” Vivienne was speechless.

“Bitter? Really?” She dared a taste herself, almost letting her lifelong love affair with strawberry shortcake plummet to rock bottom.

It was supposed to be frosting - sweet, indulgent frosting.

Why on earth was it so bitter? A thought struck Vivienne. “Tastes like something my mom made.” Her words hung in the air, and she and Percival paused, a sudden realization dawning on them.

Slowly, they lifted their eyes to meet, and their gazes converged with silent understanding.

The cake before them indeed bore the mark of Karen's handiwork.

The pair sat in stunned silence, neither willing to voice the conclusion forming in their minds. Yet, all the strange occurrences of recent days seemed to be pointing inexorably in one direction.

After a while, Vivienne shook her head. “I've never had such a terrible strawberry shortcake.” Percival unveiled a slice of strawberry shortcake he had brought and fed it to Vivienne. “Try this one; it’s sweet.” A chuckle escaped Vivienne's lips, her eyes inadvertent Ed ckering to the bitter disappointment that was the other cake.

Once they finished the delectable shortcake, Vivienne leaned back against the couch, patting her belly. “Mr. Wolf, didn’t you say you had something to discuss with me?” Percival presented two invitations, laying them before Vivienne. “Take a look.” Vivienne picked up the invites, glancing over them with a smile. “The director wants to see me? He could have just said so. Why all the fuss?” Although the Brooks family hosted the party and extended the invitation to Vivienne and Percival, they were not fooled. Vance’s intention was as clear as day.

This party was nothing but a pretext for him to see Vivienne.

“So, are we going?” Percival asked, already anticipating her answer from the look on her face.

With a grin, Vivienne replied, “Of course, we're going. We can’t miss out on the drama, can we?” That evening, Vivienne and Percival arrived in their finest attire at the event.

Melissa Brooks and Ashley were greeting guests at the door. Upon seeing Vivienne, their faces lit up with joy.

“Vivienne, you made it! I've missed you so much. I've been trying to call with no luck,” Melissa said warmly as she reached out and took Vivienne’s hand affectionately.

Her loved one’s return had clearly lifted Melissa's spirits; her smile was even brighter than before.

“I've been in Sea City for a while, had my phone off,” Vivienne responded with a light laugh, then turned to Ashley. “Fully recovered?” After the accident, Vivienne had saved the girl and had not followed up, confident there was no longer a threat to her life.

Ashley nodded. “Yes, completely. But Carl...” “What happened to Carl?” Vivienne inquired.

Ashley's eyes welled with tears, weighed down by guilt over Carl's condition. If only she had not been so stubborn and thrown away her helmet, Carl might not have ended up protecting her and getting injured in the process.

Melissa sighed. “Carl had woken up, but then, suddenly, his condition worsened one night. After an intense fight for his life, we managed to save him, but the doctors say he suffered brain damage. He might be in a vegetative state from now on.” Vivienne was taken aback. Carl was supposed to be recovering; she had performed the surgery herself, and there was no room for error.

What could have gone wrong? “Why didn’t you inform me? Where is Carl now?” Vivienne asked, her voice grave.

The thought that someone she had saved was now in such a state troubled her deeply. And why had the Brooks family not contacted her sooner? With timely notice, Carl would not be in this condition.

Melissa tried to soothe Vivienne, “We wanted to tell you, but... we can’t keep bothering you. You've got so much on your plate already.” “We're family, aren't we? How can that be a bother?” Hearing this, Vivienne grew more frustrated but also felt a sense of resignation. After all, her relationship with the Brooks family would never be as open and straightforward as with Dorian.

The Brooks family felt the same; there was a mutual sense of guilt and obligation.

“Vivienne, we appreciate your concern, but it’s hard for us to keep coming to you,” Melissa said, wiping away tears, the guilt resurfacing.

Letting go of her harsher sentiments, Vivienne's tone softened. “Alright, Auntie. Where is Carl now?” “Ronald has sent Carl abroad for treatment. They say it’s a good place for someone in his condition to recover.” Hearing that Carl had been sent away, Vivienne heaved a heavy sigh. With so much going on in Rivenwood, she could not leave just yet. Carl would have to wait.

“Let's go inside. | will introduce you to your Uncle Vance,” Melissa said, drying her eyes and leading Vivienne inside.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Vance was effortlessly mingling with guests from various circles. From a distance, he noticed Vivienne and Percival approaching and cover with a glass of wine in hand.

“So, you're Vivienne. Melissa always speaks so highly of you. Seeing you today, | must say, you live up to your reputation - a real-life angel,” Vance said with a welcoming smile.

Vivienne, ever the diplomat, returned the courtesy with grace.

“Uncle Vance, I've heard much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” she said, her voice soft, though a hint of ice lingered in her eyes.

Vance, unaffected, chose to ignore the chill. “And this must be Mr. Ellington. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Vance extended his hand with a polite grace that suggested it was their first encounter.

Percival reciprocated with a firm handshake, saying, “Just callPercival, Uncle.” After exchanging pleasantries, the party officially kicked off.

There was not much on the agenda, just sgood old-fashioned dining and chatting.

Vivienne and Percival were not much for bustling crowds, so they found refuge in a cozy nook on a plush sofa after making their rounds.

Soon enough, Vance approached with a fruit platter and set it down on the coffee table.

“Since when did the director beca waiter?” Vivienne teased, her gaze locked on Vance with the allure of a dangerous poppy.

Vance took a seat with ease. “Oh, I've had my fair share of side gigs over the years - bartender, courier, delivery guy, meter reader, bill collector - you could say I'm quite the veteran.” Vivienne clearly enjoyed Vance’s wit, the edge in her smile softening as she laughed heartily.

Percival picked a strawberry from the platter and held it to Vivienne’s lips. “Strawberries are a rare treat this tof year.” “They're special, just like my niece here. Always worth the effort to find,” Vance said, nudging the platter towards Vivienne.

From just that exchange, it was clear Vance knew Vivienne well. His eyes suggested a deeper knowledge of her than one might expect.