The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Stepping into the elevator, Vivienne glanced at the antique locket glinting with a soft golden hue in her hand before slipping it into her pocket. The piece meant little to her personally, but for Cordelia's family, it might hold significant value.

Vivienne headed downstairs, coincidentally bumping into Dorian, who had just returned.

Spotting Vivienne, Dorian hastened his steps, waving excitedly. "Vivienne!" With a smile, Vivienne greeted back, "Dorian, back so early?" Setting his briefcase aside, Dorian shared, "Cordelia calledat noon, mentioned you dropped by. Figured I'd head hearly since the office was slow today." Vivienne always knew Dorian cared deeply for her, but it still warmed her heart to feel it afresh.

"How's thepany doing, Dorian?" Dorian, eager to discuss, mentioned, "Actually, we're planning to launch a new product before the year ends, alongside our classic range. It should help us better integrate into the local market. What do you think?" Dorian was always full of ideas when it cto the business.

Though he often discussed these matters with Cordelia, Vivienne, being a significant investor, had a unique perspective.

Dorian hoped for Vivienne's approval on these strategic decisions.

Vivienne reassured him with a smile, "You're more than capable of making these decisions, Dorian." Relieved, Dorian then remembered the purpose of Vivienne's visit. "Oh, right, Vivienne. You cto check on Flynn, didn't you?" "I heard from Cordelia about the poor kid. He's family, after all. We should help when we can." Vivienne pursed her lips, asking, "Dorian, how long has it been since Cordelia saw her sister?" Dorian paused, then replied, "Years, really. She wasn't too supportive of our marriage, so we lost touch after tying the knot. Heard she moved away, haven't seen her since." Realizing the gravity of his words, Dorian looked around and whispered, "Vivienne, is there a problem?" Vivienne knew his concern stemmed from a past incident that had left Dorian quite shaken.

But she wasn't sure yet if there was cause for alarm, especially if Cordelia hadn't noticed anything amiss. Moreover, Flynn's illness seemed genuine, beyond any doubt.

She shook her head to ease Dorian's fears, "Just thought it curious, given how different she seems from Cordelia and that you never mentioned her before." Dorian, relieved by her explanation, shared more about Cordelia's family dynamics, highlighting the differences in temperament within the family.

Vivienne decided it was tto leave, "Dorian, I've told Cordelia I'll be around more often to treat the child." Dorian appreciated hermitment, "Thanks, Vivienne. Drive safe." Once in her car, Vivienne made a call to Draven, "Check if someone's been trying to get close to the Brooks family in Havenwood. Look into this Delilah too." Her instincts urged caution, especially with Abigail still at large and Dorian and Cordelia's safety her top concern. Returning home, Vivienne was greeted by theforting sight of lights on and the aroma of dinner.

Mr. Wolf, or Percival as he was known, had returned.

Hearing her arrive, Percival called out from the kitchen, holding a cake mold, "Just a bit longer, the cake's almost ready." After washing up, Vivienne sat at the kitchen bar, watching Percival meticulously spread frosting on a strawberry cheesecake, feeling utterly content.

"Mr. Wolf, you didn't have to rush cooking dinner for me." Percival, with a grunt, didn't hide his care for her, "I called Cordelia. Knew you were on your way back, so I didn't head over." Vivienne, pondering over the locket she had received, placed it beside her, catching Percival's attention.

"What's this?" he inquired, seeing the locket.

"A token of gratitude from Cordelia's sister," Vivienne replied, tasting the cake but seemingly preoccupied. Percival sensed her mood, "Something happened while treating the kid?" As Vivienne shared her concerns about Abigail's elusive powers and the recent suspicious behavior of Cordelia's sister, Percival suggested a cautious approach.

"Let's not jump to conclusions. I'll have someone keep a watch. If there's any danger, we'll be ready." Vivienne agreed, knowing all they could do was wait for more information before making any moves.

At dinner, Percival casually broached a topic he heard from Cordelia, "Cordelia mentioned something about that kid. What's up? Anything unusual?" Vivienne thought of the child and couldn't help but frown, "The kid's got toxins in their system, both physically and mentally lpromised. Even with recovery, it's uncertain if they'll ever be like everyone else." Percival agreed, "Physical injuries can heal, but mental scars are harder to mend." Vivienne paused, her gaze shifting towards Mr. Wolf, "That's why I'm thinking of finding someone who can not only ensure the safety of the Dorian family but also help the child adjust emotionally." After a moment, Percival suggested, "I can pull Anna from the team to assist you." Vivienne shook her head, knowing Anna's limits, "Anna's skilled, but getting her to exercise patience with a child? Unlikely." Vivienne first thought of Charlotte, but she was tied up with university obligations.

Percival smiled cunningly, "You're etting someone!" Vivienne looked at him curiously, "Who?" "Leopold!" Percival said calmly, "He's got the physical skills and can chat up anyone from an eighty-year-old grandma to a three- year-old kid. There's no one he can't talk to." Vivienne narrowed her eyes, considering the option but also concerned about dragging someone injured into this, "His injuries..." "Injuries?" Percival chuckled, “Remember at the Martinez family gathering? Did that stop him from being his usual self?" Vivienne laughed, realizing indeed, having Leopold with the Brooks family would set her mind at ease.

Especially since Leopold got along well with Cordelia, even if he stayed there long-term, it wouldn't raise any suspicions. Meanwhile, at the Sterling household.

Leopold was in the midst of dinner when he suddenly sneezed loudly onto the table.

As Kellan and Douglas were discussing a marriage arrangement, they halted, "..." Kellan's eye roll could almost be felt physically as he tapped Leopold's head with his silverware, "Acting so Co when you're about to settle are you trying to killwith frustration?" Leopold winced, holding his head, "Grandpa, it wasn't on purpose. They say a sneeze means someone's thinking about you. Maybe Griffin's goton her mind!" At the mention of Griffin, Kellan's mood softened, "You better make yourself useful around the Martinez estate these days. Know what to bring over. If Griffin feels slighted in anyway, I'll break your legs myself." ñovels Leopold, "..." Grandpa, my legs are practically there already.

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