The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne assured her that she had thoroughly investigated Abigail's background and was just waiting for the right moment to completely eliminate the threat.

Sasha breathed a sigh of relief. "So, what was so urgent that you needed to see me? How's Daphne?" Vivienne's gaze darkened slightly. "Daphne's been shot." Sasha's eyes sharpened. "Who did it?" Vivienne spoke calmly, "All signs point to Abigail... but I think there's more to it." Sasha quickly caught on, "You're questioning Daphne's identity?" Vivienne nodded, "Exactly. Her timing was too coincidental. I can't help but suspect.' Sasha's gaze deepened. "Daphne's death was so mysterious, it's nearly impossible to investigate. If even Anna doesn't suspect her, then it might truly be Daphne who's cback." Mentioning her old partner, Sasha's eyes were filled with trust.

Even without meeting, she didn't want anyone misusing her friend's identity for nefarious purposes.

Sasha then asked, "What about Anna? What does she say?" Anna was Daphne's only child. If she trusted the person, then the likelihood of it being Daphne was significantly lower.

Vivienne had her doubts, "Anna believes it without a doubt. That bullet was meant for Anna." Sasha understood everything now. It was no wonder her daughter had urgently called her back.

It was a situation even she found challenging.

"When are you free? Let's visit the hospital together." Vivienne glanced at the items on her desk before setting a time, "I'll pick you up first thing tomorrow. I'm worried she hasn't fully regained consciousness after yesterday's surgery." Sasha nodded, glad for the chance to adjust to the tdifference.

After a day on the plane, she was exhausted.

Vivienne left for the lab with Percival, handing over sitems to Brody with instructions to figure it out within two days. Sasha stayed behind, talking with Jasper for an hour before heading back to the Linklater residence.

The next day.

On their way to the hospital, Sasha touched Vivienne's wrist resting on the armrest, "How have you been feeling lately? Any major reactions?" Vivienne, accustomed to her mom's sudden questions, was about to answer when Mr. Wolf interjected from the front, "She's been throwing up a lot last week, but it's gotten better recently." Sasha didn't mind and continued, "Got any cravings?" Percival replied, "She's been into spicy and sour food, her appetite has definitely improved." Vivienne, "..." Who's the pregnant one here? Sasha withdrew her hand, looking at her daughter who remained slender even in pregnancy, and sighed, "Eat more, it's not just you needing the nutrients. Have you ever seen a pregnant woman as thin as you?" Vivienne acknowledged the advice, having already increased her food intake, though her weight hadn't really gone up.

At the hospital.

VIP ward.

Vivienne and Sasha entered together, with Percival stepping aside to inquire about smatters.

Hearing their footsteps, Anna, who had been resting by the bed, suddenly looked up and instinctively said, "Vivienne..." But upon seeing the person beside Vivienne, she froze, "Karen?" Seeing Anna's shocked expression, Sasha smiled and took her hand, "It's me, Anna. I cto see your mom." Anna felt a warmth in her heart and nodded, "Thanks, Karen." Sasha shook her head; gratitude was never a part of her relationship with Daphne.

Approaching the bed, Sasha's emotions surged as she faced the familiar face she hadn't seen in ages.

"Daphne, is it really you?" Vivienne gestored to Anna, indicating they needed to talk. They moved to the window, where elVivienne asked about Daphne's condition, learning about her fever and the complications that followed the surgery. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesAnna's eyes reddened as she spoke, unable to rest or look away, haunted by the image of her mother taking a bullet for her. Vivienne understood Anna's conviction; she fully believed the woman before them was Daphne. Without concrete evidence, any speculation might only cause alarm.

Upon exiting, Sasha appeared troubled.

Vivienne approached, "Mom, what's wrong?" Sasha, lips pursed and eyes narrowed, was conflicted. "If it weren't for your suspicions, I'd be convinced it's really Daphne." Vivienne's gaze was clear and focused, "Did you find something?" Sasha sighed, shaking her head, "No, her face is too similar. I couldn't find a single clue to doubt." Vivienne frowned, "Then what made you sense something was off?" Sasha mysteriously uttered, "A feeling." Vivienne's frown deepened.

Sasha seriously explained, "She lacks the essence I knew in Daphne, something that emanates from within, not erased by time." Meanwhile, on the bed, Daphne slowly woke, relieved to see her daughter by her side.

"Sweetie, I'm glad you're okay." Anna, teary-eyed, stood to hold her mother's hand, "Mom, do you feel unwell anywhere? Shall I call the doctor?" Daphne shook her head, "Did someone visit? I heard someone calling me." Anna nodded, "Karen and Vivienne cto see you." Daphne's eyes widened, "The captain came? Where is she?" Anna lifted her head, scanning the vicinity, only to realize the duo who had just been outside the door had now vanished. She decided to head out in search of them.

"Mom, I'm gonna step outside for a bit, maybe Vivienne and Karen are still around." Vivienne and Sasha were mid-conversation as they walked away when suddenly, a voice called from behind, "Karen, Vivienne, my mom's awake." Sasha paused mid-step, exchanging a glance with Vivienne before they turned back towards the hospital room.

The moment Sasha appeared, Daphne, who was propped up in her hospital bed, attempted to rise, "Captain can't believe I'm seeing you again. It's been twelve years, l thought I'd never get the chance to see you again in this lifetime..." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesSasha, gently pushing her back down, admonished, "What are you talking about? Here we are, both in one piece. You're injured, you need to stay put." Automatically, Daphne responded, "Yes, Captain." Sasha couldn't help but chuckle, "We're not part of the Vanguard Agency anymore, you don't need to callCaptain. Just my nwill do." Daphne, with utmost seriousness, replied, "That's impossible. In my heart, you'll always be my Captain, and that will never change." Sasha didn't push the matter further, simply gazing at Daphne with curiosity, "Amelia, what happened back then? Why did you suddenly decide to... to end things?"