The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival’s face darkened.

Vivienne picked up the note, her icy eyes narrowing slightly. “Where did you find this?”

With a sigh, Flynn replied, “When I woke up this morning, it was on my nightstand. Imogen

and I saw it straight away.”

Cecilia was visibly shaken. “Our security system is state-of-the-art. There were no signs of

a break-in last night. How could someone have slipped a knife under our noses? It’s

absolutely terrifying.”

After a pause, Cecilia shot a hesitant glance at Imogen. “I don’t mean anything by it. I’m

just curious… Any chance your ex might be lurking around Rivenwood?”

Imogen dabbed at her eyes. “Cecilia, Flynn was my first love. I never had a boyfriend

before him, and few guys were interested in me. Even if there were, they’re all abroad

now. I have no clue what this note means.”

Flynn pulled Imogen into his arms, soothing her with gentle strokes on her back. “I know

it’s not you. Stop crying.”

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Cecilia offered her a tissue, joining Flynn in comforting her.

Vivienne handed the note to Percival.

They all knew that this note was asking for Belle.

Clearly, someone was getting impatient.

Belle, undoubtedly, was harboring secrets.

For some time now, Vivienne had kept Belle hidden in a place no one would suspect

without pressing her for information.

After all, she already knew what she needed to know. Except for the information about the

boss of GTO!

But Vivienne was in no rush. The guy would slip up when the time was right.

“I’ll handle this,” Percival said, tucking the note away and giving Isolde, who was still in his

arms, a reassuring hug. The child’s face had turned pale with fear.

Percival upgraded the Ellington family’s security to the highest level, changed all the

locks, and reinforced the windows and all other potential entry points.

Now, not even a fly could sneak in unnoticed.

After calming Imogen, Flynn left her with Cecilia and Vivienne, then joined Percival and

Richard in the study.

They needed to ponder the audacity of leaving a knife by someone’s bed.

Flynn had just returned from abroad and was unlikely to have offended anyone. The culprit

had to be one of the Ellington family’s old enemies.

“Percival, all good on your end?” Richard inquired.

“Yeah,” Percival responded.

“Dad, could it be a corporate rival?” Flynn asked.

Richard scoffed. “Unlikely. The note spoke of giving back someone, and the Ellington

family haven’t taken anyone. It seems someone’s got their sights on our family. Stay

vigilant, especially you, Percival.”

Richard tapped the floor with his cane, signaling his point to Percival.

Richard knew all too well that if anyone was stirring up trouble, it was Percival.

For years, though he never meddled in Percival’s affairs, Richard was aware that his

grandson was involved in perilously high-stakes business not meant for the faint-hearted.

The last time a knife was planted at the Ellington Mansion, Richard already discovered that

Percival had done something dangerous.

However, he never expected the danger to invade Flynn’s bedroom.

Percival nodded. “Don’t worry, Grandpa.”

Richard pressed no further.

…

Back in the living room.

Tears still stained Imogen’s cheeks. The shock had hit her hard.

It was not surprising, though. Anyone who wakes to find a knife looming over them would

be petrified.

And for someone as naturally timid as Imogen, it was all the more frightening.

Vivienne placed a hand on Imogen’s shoulder. Imogen flinched, then quickly apologized,

“Sorry, Vivienne, I’m just really on edge.”

“It’s okay. Let me help you relax,” Vivienne said, unaffected.

Imogen nodded, gathering her waterfall-like hair to one side, allowing Vivienne to ease the

tension in her neck and shoulders.

Vivienne’s skilled touch eased Imogen’s fear, who said with gratitude, “Vivienne, you’re

amazing.”

Vivienne smiled, her gaze lingering on Imogen’s glossy hair. “Your hair is really lovely.”

Flattered, Imogen blushed and confessed, “Flynn takes care of it for me. I don’t cut it

much. After every wash, he applies conditioner and shows me how to blow-dry it properly.

It works wonders.”

As the mood lightened, Cecilia chuckled and said, “No wonder you cherish your hair so

much. Isolde says you’re always brushing it. It’s taken care of so well that you don’t lose

much hair at all.”

“Actually, I still do,” Imogen confessed, stroking her hair, “but the frequent brushing

makes it less noticeable.” She then turned to Vivienne, concern returning to her features.

“About that knife… It doesn’t mean anything serious, does it? Could Percival have

unknowingly crossed someone, and now we face retaliation?”

“Don’t worry. It’s just a prank,” Vivienne reassured Imogen with a smile, then caught sight

of a tattoo on her arm.

Imogen noticed Vivienne’s interest and showed her arm generously. “The tattoo? I got it

while abroad. Flynn chose the design. Though the tiger is a bit intimidating, I thought it

looked cool, so I went for it.”

Vivienne studied the tattoo closely.

The design was identical to the one she had seen on Calista.

After calming Imogen down, Percival and Vivienne left the Ellington Mansion.

As they arrived at Vivienne’s home, Anna and Leopold instantly switched to high alert

while concealing their presence masterfully.

Entering the villa, Percival and Vivienne turned on the lights.

Dorian and Cordelia were not home yet, and Thaddeus was at school attending an event,

leaving the house empty.

They entered Vivienne’s bedroom and stood by the bed.

Percival sighed. “Such a great bed, what a waste.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join

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Vivienne bent down at the foot of the bed and pressed a seemingly inconspicuous spot.

Then, the bed slid forward, slowly revealing a hidden hatch!

Vivienne flicked on her flashlight and stepped in first, quipping, “If you fancy it, you can

have my bed.”

Percival rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t talking about the bed! It’s about this perfect timing!”

Vivienne played coy. “Oh? I don’t follow!”

From outside, Leopold groaned. “Can you two stop flirting? I’m out here getting eaten alive

by mosquitoes on watch duty!”

Percival followed Vivienne down the dark staircase until they reached level ground.

“Lights,” Vivienne commanded, and the once-dark room was instantly flooded with

brightness.

Percival shielded his eyes momentarily, then gazed around, taking in the scene. “Vivienne,

you never cease to amaze me.”

The secret lair was compact but fully equipped, boasting a fridge, TV, toaster oven,

microwave, and even smart home controls.

But the most out-of-place sight was Belle, who was tied to a chair, shackled with chains.

No one would have guessed that Belle was imprisoned beneath Vivienne’s bed!

Vivienne flashed a sly smile, retrieved a bottle of coke from the fridge, and handed it to

Percival before sitting across from Belle. “Mr. B, we meet again.”

Belle slowly opened her eyes; her lips cracked, her voice hoarse, and the scars on her face

made a gruesome sight.

“Just kill me, Vivienne,” she croaked. “I won’t tell you anything.”

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