The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne stared at Finnian. It would be a lie to say she did not resent him.

The death of Finnian had been a thorn in her side for years, a constant reminder of what she perceived as her medical incompetence. It gnawed at her, thinking that Finnian might still be walking the earth if her skills had been just a notch higher.

For a long while, self-doubt had engulfed her, and she had shouldered the blfor Finnian’s demise.

After all, apart from Karen, Finnian was the most significant person in her life. His loss had delivered a crushing blow to her heart.

Finnian, sensing the weight of the moment, capitulated. “80 million is already a fortune. If it were 800 billion, it might just sendto an early grave!” “Kid,” Finnian began, with a weary shake of his head, “I was being hunted. | had no choice but to fake death to escape. | didn’t want to drag you all into this mess. It was a last resort.” As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeve to reveal a long, ugly scar on his right forearm.

The scar was surrounded by dark tissue and was as deep as half a coin. It bore the hallmark of a specialized weapon—one laced with deadly poison.

Vivienne’s eyes flashed with concern as she gently took Finnian’s hand, inspecting the scar. “You've been poisoned, and you never told me? Do you have someone who can cure this?” After a closer examination, she could see that, although the scar looked fierce, it was healing, and the black hue was the residual poison that no longer posed a threat to his life.

Finnian withdrew his arm and nodded. “Yeah, a master healer, a friend of mine. I'll introduce you someday.” Vivienne furrowed her brow. She was a medical prodigy known as the Specter Healer. Yet, she knew in her heart that this poison was beyond her ability to cure. There was someone with medical skills that surpassed hers in Veridia? [x] She did not consider herself the best in the world, but it struck her as odd that she had never heard of such a proficient healer. And over the years, Finnian did not seem to have any friends.

The only person Finnian ever called a friend was her mother, and Vivienne had never met him even before her mother’s passing. It was clear that even if Finnian had friends in the past, he no longer wished to associate with them.

Finnian, a man who would boast about a particularly intelligent parrot for weeks, would surely have mentioned such a formidable friend. Why the silence? Caught by Vivienne’s scrutinizing gaze, Finnian picked up his cup and took a sip to hide his discomfort. “Why are you looking atlike that, you rascal?” Snatching the cup from his hands, Vivienne pressed, “Who is this master healer friend of yours? And who's the one hunting you that you'd fake your death to escape? There can’t be many who could corner you like this.” Finnian smacked his lips in exasperation. “You always were impatient. Letexplain. You've probably heard of the ones after me—they’re from the ancient warrior lineage.” Vivienne and her brother Percival exchanged a startled glance. “The ancient warrior lineage?” The only known families from the ancient warrior lineage were the Martinez and the Perez families. But why would they be after Finnian? “Finnian, are you being hunted by the Martinez or the Perez family?” Vivienne pressed.

Waving his hand, Finnian dismissed the notion. “Neither. There are many in the ancient warrior lineage, and in modern times, only the Martinez and the Perez families are known. But my feud has nothing to do with them.

Don’t worry about it. You should mingle as you please.

Especially the Perez family, they're good people. Don't resist getting to know them.” Vivienne narrowed her eyes. “You've been keeping tabs onall along!” Realizing he had let something slip, Finnian hastily changed the subject. “Don’t go blabbing about seeingto anyone, okay? Even though the ones afteraren’t from the Martinez or Perez family, these ancient warrior lineages are interconnected. If they find out I'm alive, all my hiding would have been for nothing.” “I know.” Vivienne breathed out, her mind swirling with questions about the ancient warrior lineage.

Leopold had once told her that these families were shrouded in secrecy, that a family that crossed them had vanished overnight. Yet, the Perez and Martinez families did not seem the type to carry out such ruthless vendettas. Could there be factions within the ancient warrior lineage? Who exactly was after Finnian? But more pressing to Vivienne was the identity of the mysterious healer who had treated Finnian’s wounds.

Finnian glanced at Vivienne and saw the curiosity burning in her eyes. He evaded her queries, fearing she would probe further.

However, Vivienne was not one to let go quickly. She slapped an IOU on the table, her voice firm. “Spill it. Who's treating your wounds?” Finnian took another sip of water, trying to mask his unease. “You're relentless, kid. Like | said, I'll introduce you when the tis right. Until then, drop it. There are things you're better off not knowing.” Vivienne snatched the cup away from Finnian, denying him his sip. “Fine, don’t tell me. But where are you living now? I'll move in with you.” “No way, no way,” Finnian protested, waving his hands dismissively, “You're all grown up; a young lady shouldn't be shacking up with her old mentor. It's just not proper.” Vivienne's eyes narrowed, sensing the mystery healer must be sharing Finnian’s living space.

“You're getting on in years, and | need to look after you. If your place is too small, I've got plenty of space. You could move in with me,” Vivienne insisted, gripping Finnian’s wrist tightly, her bright eyes locking onto his without relenting.

Finnian struggled to free his arm. “Go live with your fiancé. I'm not moving.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

“That's not an option. If you don’t, Mr. Wolf's eighty million is off the table!” Finnian turned to Percival, who shrugged, saying, “In our family, Vivienne’s word is law.” “You're so henpecked, man,” Finnian chided Percival with disappointment. “A man should wear the pants in his own home!” Percival just grinned broadly, finding the situation amusing.

Being henpecked was a badge of honor.

Leopold wished he was henpecked, but alas, he had no wife.

Unable to convince Vivienne, Finnian reluctantly agreed. “Alright, alright, I'll move in. But | can’t live at Dorian’s place. It’s wrong to impose, and he’s not your real dad.” Vivienne quirked an eyebrow. “You know my real dad?” “Who knows that guy? Not me. Are we moving or what? Old folks need their beauty sleep, or we get brittle bones.” Vivienne stood up briskly. “Let's go. Right now.” After leaving the lounge, Percival led them straight to one of the Ellington family’s vacant villas.

Finnian nodded in approval. “Hmm, which room is mine?” Percival opened the door to a south-facing bedroom and said, “This one. You like it?” Finnian scoped out the room and nodded. “Yeah, this is fine. Wait, why is it a suite?” Percival chuckled. “I thought I'd bunk with you.” Finnian clicked his tongue. “What's the meaning of this? | want a different room!” With that, Finnian strode out, opening the door to another room.