The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne had no patience for Patrick’s explanation; she already knew enough about what the Boyd family and Patrick were up to.

She extended her hand to Patrick, her tone brisk. “Hand over the key of your code.” Patrick blinked in confusion. “What code?” “The code of your contract!” Vivienne pressed, irritation creeping into her voice.

Patrick looked even more bewildered. “I don’t know anything about a code. Our contracts are straightforward. It's in in my car. Letfetch it for you.” With that, Patrick hurried to his car and brought back the document to Vivienne. “Please, take a look, Madam.” Vivienne took the contract and immediately noticed it was an agreement between the Ashford and Boyd families.

However, the format and wording differed from what Vivienne had seen in the Boyd family’s safe.

She did not know what that contract in the safe was about, but it certainly was not the sas this one. It seemed Patrick was not lying.

“You can go back now,” Vivienne said, handing back the contract.

The contract contained nothing substantial, just the usual business dealings. The Ashford family, a biotech leader in Sea City, also operated shipping routes. Their collaboration with the Boyd family had made many things more convenient, but there was no mention of the cutting-edge bionics.

After Patrick took the documents, he hesitated, casting a knowing look at Vivienne.

Vivienne gave him an icy glance, her face expressionless. “Keep Gillian away from me, and you'll stay safe.” “Thank you, Madam.” Patrick watched Vivienne enter hella before getting back into his car.

As soon as the car door closed, his sycophantic smile turned into a heavy frown. He gazed at the villa’s grand entrance before tapping the car seat, signaling the driver to depart.

Inside the villa, Vivienne watched through the sheer curtains as Patrick’s car disappeared, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.

Everyone makes mistakes.

For instance, Vivienne had once misjudged Mark. And Karen had misjudged Patrick.

Percival cin with a cup of steaming hot milk. “Try this. I've heated it.” Vivienne left the curtains and sipped the milk, nodding appreciatively. “Not bad. It's even better than the plain water you usually boil.” A twitch of annoyance flickered across Percival’s mouth. “Can’t your man even warm up milk to your satisfaction?” It seemed to him Vivienne always doubted his ability to fend for himself.

Had she forgotten that his cooking was actually quite decent, especially compared to her disastrous attempts in the kitchen? Vivienne chuckled. “I just think your talented hands should be making more money for me.” Money was indeed sweeter than milk.

Percival pinched her cheek affectionately. “My little money-lover!” Vivienne clicked her tongue playfully. “Who could ever have enough money?” Percival stroked her hair, his voice gentle. “Well, it's rare that | have such a skill. Don’t worry, my dear. I'll make sure to earn plenty. Enough to last us this lifetand the next.” “Good.” Vivienne’s smile was radiant, like the break of dawn.

After finishing the milk, she leaned on Percival’s shoulder to rest.

Suddenly, she looked up at him. “Mr. Wolf, have you ever heard my mother talk about bionics?” Percival shook his head. “No, my mentor knew | never had much of a knack for medicine and never discussed her research with me.” Vivienne shifted to a more comfortable position. “Well, my mom mentioned it once. She said every technology has its pros and cons, like a bomb. It’s a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, but in the right hands, it can protect you and your family.

Biotech is the same. If we develop ones that could replace the human body, and they becwidespread, criminals won't even need to show their faces to commit atrocities. It would pose a severe risk to society and public safety.” Percival held Vivienne close. “But if used for early-stage reconnaissance, like when | was trapped in that mine, it could prevent a lot of dangers and preserve fighting strength.” Yawning, Vivienne looked tired. “I just wonder how far my mom's research has gone...” As she spoke, she fell asleep on Percival’s lap, her breathing even and calm, though her brow was furrowed as if pondering the issue of bionics even in her dreams.

Percival’s fingers gently smoothed her furrowed brow until she was deeply asleep, then he carefully carried her to the bedroom.

“Goodnight, Vivienne.” He kissed her forehead and was about to turn off the bedside lamp and leave when Vivienne, still in her slumber, grasped his hand tightly.

In the quiet of the night, she murmured with longing, “Mom...” With a soft sigh, Percival did not pull away. Instead, he sat on the floor, watching over her as she slept peacefully until dawn.

When Vivienne woke and saw Percival asleep on the floor, a wave of warmth filled her heart. She leaned over and kissed his lips softly.

“Good morning, Mr. Wolf.” Percival’s eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across his face. “You're awake?” “Yes.” Vivienne got out of bed and began to dress. “Mr. Wolf, get ready. We're going to the Boyd family’s place.” Percival responded affirmatively, “Good, | have a score to settle with them.” In the Boyd household, tension crackled like a live wire. Wendy sat in her wheelchair, her gaze drifting down to her lifeless legs. “That Gillian, looking all sweet and innocent, but behind closed doors, she’s a whole different story. Her boyfriends can line up from Sea City to Rivenwood, for God's sake. That girl's a walking disaster.” The scandal had rocked Sea City to its core the day before. No one in the Boyd family could remember a tthey had been more embarrassed.

Wendy had tossed and turned all night, her mind racing with anger and worry.

First thing in the morning, she summoned her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren to discuss a gplan.

Teresa, her nails clicking in annoyance, spoke with haughty disdain. “Pfft, as if she could ever match up to our Yannick. Even if she paid me, I'd have to think twice about it.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

“She's tainted goods now. Only a fool like Percival would take her. The Boyds can’t afford to be dragged down by her mess,” Wendy agreed, nodding at Teresa's words.

Teresa bristled at the dismissal, her plan of devaluing Gillian to snag her and the Ashford family’s business now seeming to slip away. “Mom, this mess has blown up so much. What can the Ellingtons even do? We should marry her into our family while no one in Sea City will have her. That way, we’ll owe the Ashfords a favor. Once we secure the business, we can dump her, no harm done. Don’t let the Ellingtons snap up that juicy Ashford clientele.” Mara, who had little patience for Teresa's two-faced tactics, could not help but speak up. “Even if Gillian's reputation is in ruins, men will still be lining up for her. Auntie, you might want to check if your son even stands a chance.” Teresa's face reddened with anger. “You little brat, since when do children get to talk back to their elders? You're no better, keeping company with Gillian all this time. You've probably got your own set of dirty little secrets!” Nancy, defending her daughter against Teresa's venomous words, retorted sharply. “Teresa, watch your mouth.

Maybe you should worry more about your own family. Your daughter was supposed to be on guard. If she had not been slacking, Vivienne would not have been able to sneak in and cause this whole mess.”