The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Perhaps, when Karen heard those words all those years ago, she already knew there was a traitor within the Agency! But why, knowing such a brutal truth, did her mother choose the most cowardly and useless way to end it all? Could it be that Vance was hiding details about the call? Vivienne sank back onto the couch, looking at Vance’s face, which bore a striking resemblance to Darren. “I won't work for the Vanguard Agency. You don’t deserve me.” A place that harbored the killer of her mother, a place that had not made any headway against the GTO in a decade, did not deserve her! It seemed Vance had anticipated Vivienne’s response and did not press further. He pulled out his business card and placed it in front of Vivienne.

“It has my number and email. If you ever change your mind, feel free to reach out. And if you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. It appears | have slightly more pull than your fiancé right now, so | can certainly make things easier for you.” With that, Vance straightened his crumpled collar—wrinkled from Vivienne's earlier grasp—and stood to leave.

Melissa approached, her face etched with concern as she watched Vance.

He ruffled her hair. “It’s just a minor issue, don’t worry.” Melissa nodded. “You go mingle with the guests. I'll check on Vivienne.” Vance did not stop her and returned to the social whirl with a glass in hand.

Melissa walked over to find Vivienne back to her composed self, the business card now tucked away without a trace. a “Vivienne, did Vance say something to upset you?” Melissa asked cautiously.

Vivienne shook her head. “Auntie, we're fine. It's just a small matter. Where's Ronald? He textedthat he needed to see me.” Without pressing further, Melissa pointed to Ronald, who was deep in conversation. “Over there. I'll get him for you.” “No need, I'll go over myself,” Vivienne said, spotting the people around Ronald and lifting the corners of her mouth in anticipation.

“Uncle Zachary, a partnership between us would be the icing on the cake for both our families,” Ronald said, raising his glass to clink with Zachary’s.

Vivienne left Percival by the side and made her way over just in tto catch Ronald's words.

What business did the Churchill family have with the Brooks family? She approached, and, noticing her first, Zachary put down his drink and said, “Madam, you've arrived.” Ronald turned, his face lighting up with joy at the sight of Vivienne. “When did you get here, Vivienne?” “I arrived before you, just resting over there,” Vivienne replied with a light smile.

“You're just in time. | was discussing a partnership with Uncle Zachary, but he said we should run it by you,” Ronald said as they found a quiet place to sit.

Zachary explained, “Madam, about the project you entrusted us with, we were considering moving it to Rivenwood. It’s convenient since we're both based here, and fewer people know about it, there's less chance of interference.” Vivienne nodded in agreement; now that she was back in Rivenwood, she could closely monitor Zachary and William's bionics research progress.

“You're thinking of partnering with the Brooks family?” She inquired.

Zachary nodded. “Yes, the Brooks family has been looking for new business ventures to ensure their continued stability, and we need a strong ally. Plus, you're family to the Brooks, so we thought of collaborating with them.” Though not a Brooks by birth, Vivienne clearly held them in regard.

Those Vivienne protected were few, but it was enough to show their significance to her.

So, it was not without reason when Zachary referred to the Brooks as her family.

Ronald added, “When Uncle Zachary first toldabout this project, | thought it was a pipe dream. But knowing it cfrom you, | was sure it was feasible. Vivienne, do you think the Brooks family can undertake this project?” Vivienne chuckled. “What do you think, Ronald?” Ronald took a deep breath, his gaze firm on Vivienne. “I believe the Brooks family can handle it. The Brooks Group has been through a lot, but we are confident to take on this project.” “In that case,” Vivienne raised her glass and said, ” here's to a successful partnership.” Ronald's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Zachary’s heart settled as they toasted with Vivienne.

The deal to collaborate on the development of self-defense bionic tech was settled.

Vivienne sipped her drink and suddenly asked, “Ronald, you referred to Mr. Churchill as ‘Uncle’? “ Zachary smiled. “Madam, you might not know, but Faye and Carl are engaged.” Vivienne paused in surprise.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

That was news to her! The world was indeed small; she had no idea Faye and Carl were betrothed! As far as she remembered, there had been no interaction between Carl and Faye.

“Yep, years back, it was... well, their parents who decided on the arrangement,” Ronald mused with a heavy heart. “Back when Carl and Faye were just knee-high to a grasshopper, they were thick as thieves, so the folks thought it'd be cute to make a little betrothal agreement. After Faye’s accident, Uncle Zachary wanted to call the whole thing off, but Carl would not hear of it. He said it was unfair to bail when things got tough. But now, Carl's had his own share of bad luck, and here we are.” Ronald sighed deeply, a shadow of sorrow crossing his face. “Faye’s just as stubborn, refuses to break off the engagement, insists on waiting for Carl to caround. Vivienne, | heard from Uncle Zachary that Faye was once your student. If you get a chance, maybe you could talk ssense into her, stop her from putting her life on hold.” Carl was now lying in a hospital bed, his condition uncertain, and no one knew how long he'd be unresponsive. It seemed cruel to let a young woman's life be stalled by a promise made in the past by their elders.

Faye had started college and was bound to meet someone who could make her happy. It was not fair for her to wait for Carl indefinitely.

With a sigh, Zachary added, “Faye has her mind set, and even her mom can’t persuade her otherwise. So, we'll let her wait for now. She can focus on her studies. Ronald, don’t carry this burden, too.” Vivienne set down her glass of wine and inquired, “When | left, Carl was starting to caround. Everyone thought he’d make a full recovery. How did things take such a drastic turn for the worse?” “The details are beyond me,” Ronald admitted. “The doctors said it was due to a hematoma in the brain. After Carl started waking up, he had an accident. He hit his head, and that caused the hematoma to spread, affecting his neural functions. That's how he ended up in this state.”