The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After hanging up the call, Vivienne stormed into Finnian’s room, where other eight disciples were sprawled out, sleeping like logs. With a swift kick, she woke them from their slumber.

Dawson was the first to cto his senses, groggily nudging Jerry beside him. “Get up, man. We've gotta settle the score with Finnian.” The group roused themselves one by one, taking in their surroundings and falling silent for a few seconds...

“Where the heck is Finnian?!” Vivienne grabbed a magazine from the table and gave each of them a thwack on the head. “By the tyou lot figure it out, Finnian will have skipped town!” Dawson rubbed his sore head and pointed accusingly at Percival. “Vivienne, why aren’t you hitting him?” Without missing a beat, Vivienne delivered another smack to Dawson. “He's my man. Think you can measure up?” Percival smirked smugly at the others, his expression just begging for a punch.

But what could they do? After all, he was Vivienne’s man.

The disciples collectively groaned, a chorus of shattered hearts.

After a round of scolding, Vivienne pointed toward the garden outside, “Go fix that fence and then frog hop around the villa ten times. No dinner until it's done!” “Vivienne, can we make it five laps?” Gary begged with puppy eyes.

Vivienne shot him a look that could freeze fire. “You, fifteen laps!” Hearing that, the other disciples scattered like the wind. Fifteen laps were no joke! Vivienne sighed heavily. “What's the use of having all x guys if they can’t even keep an eye on an old man?” Percival took Vivienne’s hand. “Let's go. Now that Finnian’s made an appearance, he won't hide again. We'll have plenty of tto deal with him later.” “Alright.” Halfway out, Percival glanced at Vivienne, his lips pressed in query, “You didn’t notice Finnian drugging you yesterday?” At the question, Vivienne’s gaze sharpened, a fleeting glint crossing her eyes, “Nope.” She honestly had not noticed.

Percival raised an eyebrow. “Finnian’s reputation is well-deserved, then.” He had not really looked into Finnian’s capabilities, but he must be skilled if he could handle Vivienne and those eight disciples.

Vivienne's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone casual yet firm. “It was not Finnian who drugged us yesterday.” Percival looked puzzled. “You mean...” Vivienne's lips curved into a sly smile, her captivating eyes shimmering with an enigmatic light. “There's not a second person in this world who could knockout.” It was not just confidence—it was certainty.

She might not be the best in medicine, but she was certainly not to be underestimated.

Especially when it cto poisons.

As they got into the car, Vivienne received a call from Yuri.

It was odd—Yuri never called early in the morning. Something must have happened.

After a moment's silence, she answered. “Uncle.” “Vivienne, are you busy? Can you cover? My dad's had an accident!” A wave of unprecedented panic surged in Vivienne’s heart, “I'm on my way!” Percival floored the gas pedal, driving straight to the Perez Mansion.

Vivienne rushed out of the car and into the house, where Yuri and Zelda greeted her anxiously.

“What happened?” Vivienne asked in a hushed tone.

Zelda was in tears, but Yuri managed to remain composed, saying, “This morning, Dad was fine, walking Natalia and Yasmine in the park. But he collapsed without warning before breakfast, and the doctors can’t find anything wrong.” Jasper had old injuries that flared up once in Sea City but had been stable since.

There had been warnings in the past, but this time, he passed out without a sign.

“What injury did Grandpa suffer from before?” Vivienne asked as they walked.

Yuri bit his lip, deciding to reveal the truth. “Dad got word of a sighting of Sasha near Fariana Isle. When he arrived, he found only bones. He couldn't handle the shock and fainted. Since then, he’s had a serious heart condition.” Vivienne paused, sensing the complexity of his illness.

They reached Jasper’s bedroom, where the family doctor, a renowned heart surgeon named Keegan, was treating him. Vivienne had studied his work during her studies.

She stepped in, asking, “Professor Keegan, how is it?” Keegan glanced at Vivienne. “Not good, and there's something odd. His breathing is stable, but his heartbeat is erratic, occasionally stopping completely. It’s very unusual.” “Ill take a look.” Vivienne approached, checking Jasper’s pulse.

Keegan did not underestimate her because of her youth; instead, he stepped back to let her work.

Vivienne’s frown deepened as she felt Jasper’s pulse. It was almost imperceptible, yet his breathing was eerily calm—as if he were merely asleep.

This was medically impossible.

Seeing Jasper’s healthy complexion and normal lip color, Vivienne scribbled a prescription and handed it to Keegan. “Professor Keegan, could you please prepare this? Thank you.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Zelda moved to take the prescription, but Keegan waved her off. “I must handle this. Precise timing and temperature is crucial—not even a second off. You're very skilled, young lady.” A compliment from Keegan was a rarity in the medical world, an honor bestowed to very few.

Vivienne nodded, a silent acknowledgment, as she reached into her pocket for the silver needle she always carried. With precision, she began to block Jasper’s senses, one by one.

The piercing of each point on Jasper’s body was sure to bring him excruciating pain.

Vivienne did not want to resort to such measures, but she had no choice. Jasper’s condition was too peculiar, and it called for drastic actions.

With each needle she inserted, Jasper’s breaths becmore labored, his face contorted in agony.

Zelda watched with growing concern, her hand clasped by Yuri, who shook his head quietly. “Vivienne is the Specter Healer. She knows what she’s doing.” It was unsurprising that Vivienne’s identity was known to the Boyds or that Yuri had discovered it. Otherwise, he would not have called her today.

As Vivienne prepared to insert the final needle, she was suddenly repelled by an invisible, forceful energy, sending her stumbling back several feet.

Percival caught her, his eyes filled with worry. “You've gone pale,” he said, “Is something wrong?” Catching her breath and standing firm, Vivienne’s gaze was icy as she fixed her eyes on Jasper. “I'd like to know what's happening myself,” she said with a steely tone.