The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 289

From the moment Richard saw her, a wide grin spread across his face. Any discomfort he’d felt

seemed to evaporate instantly “Seeing you, my dear girl, seems to chase away all my aches and pain

My dear girl, you just performed a procedure on me yesterday, and here you are checking in on me

again Your thoughtfulness and kindness are unmatched. I’m truly blessed to have you as my

granddaughter–in–law.”

The old man couldn’t help but sing Vivienne’s praises, making Ryan, who was standing off to the side,

visibly uncomfortable Yet he kept his mouth shut

Thanks to Vivienne, he was now stuck working as a security guard at the Ellington Group, a job he

found as enjoyable as a root canal

“Isn’t that the truth?” Cecilia chuckled as she took Vivienne’s hand with a sense of pride that bordered

on boastful. “Percival truly hit the jackpot with you. I have no idea where his good luck comes from

Percival, who had been lingering in the crowd, cast his eyes toward Aaron, who was trailing behind

Vivienne like a lost puppy

Ever since the reunion banquet, Aaron had been practically glued to Vivienne’s side How could he let a

man follow his fiancée from the Brooks Mansion to the hospital?

“Vivienne Percival called out as he strode toward her With a dramatic sigh, he pulled her into his

embrace Tm so tired”

With a sly smile. Vivienne replied. ‘I’ll feed you something later as a reward

Percival’s fatigue seemed to instantly evaporate.

“Enough” Baron interjected, casting a scowl at Percival This isn’t the place for public displays of

affection Vivienne hasn’t even officially become your wife yet

Despite having recently undergone surgery, Richard was still full of energy. He quickly jumped to their

defense “Baron, what are you implying? Are you trying to upset met Vivienne is already a part of our

family. That’s a fact that no one can change. If you insist on objecting. I’m ready to fight you on this

Richard looked as though he were about to leap out of bed, so Cecilia quickly reached out to calm him

“Dad, you need to take it easy You’re still recovering from your

surgery

Richard didn’t look like someone who had just been operated on. He was livelier than men half his age.

“Grandpa” Vivienne soothed him in an attempt to steer the conversation back on track: “We’ve

apprehended the person who attacked you. He ingested poison, but I’ve given him an antidote. He

should regain consciousness soon.”

Percival lifted his gaze, adding, “Once he’s awake, we’ll know who ordered the attack”

While Percival didn’t explicitly say that he was actually the target, Richard had already pieced together

the clues.

“No! They weren’t trying to kill me! They were after you!” Richard’s eyes swept over the gathered

crowd. “I was just unfortunate enough to be in your car”

Richard turned his gaze to Vivienne. “The person who wanted to harm Percival it was someone from

the Ellington family, wasn’t it?”

Although they had not yet determined who was responsible, all signs pointed to someone from the

Ellington family as the likely culprit.

Vivienne nodded “Possibly”

The room fell silent Fiona, standing in the crowd, looked away to hide her panic.

“Vienne What are you implying? Cathy snapped and crossed her arms in agitation “Are you suggesting

someone among us wanted to harm Richard?”

It was clear that Cathy’s anger was not solely directed at Vivienne but also at Percival, who had

supported her

“No one wanted anything bad to happen to Percival. We might not have been waiting on him hand and

foot when he was in his wheelchair, but we all hoped he would recover soon. Don’t you dare stir up

trouble and pit us against each other!”

Scott frowned at Cathy’s harsh demeanor “Vivienne was only stating that they’ve caught the person

responsible for Richard’s attack. She didn’t say that you were the

mastermind There’s no need for you to get so worked up

Cathy, realizing his implications, angrily turned away

Vivienne observed the exchange, taking note of everyone’s reactions

“Alright Richard waved his hand dismissively and lay back down. “Leave the interrogation to Vivienne

and Percival. The rest of you don’t need to stress over this. I trust Vivienne and Percival to bring me

satisfactory answers. I’m tired and want some rest now You all should go home”

He paused grabbing Vivienne’s hand before anyone could move “Vivienne, stay with me. I could use

some company”

Richard’s favoritism was clear as day, and it wisibly irked the other members of the Ellington family. But

there was nothing they could do about it.

As everyone reluctantly left the room. Vivienne stepped out into the hallway to answer a phone call

How are things going?”

Matthew on the other end of the call, shook his head in frustration Nothing. They’re fearless. Each one

of them ingests poison the moment they’re caught, leaving no

leads behind

“Keep looking Vivienne ordered, her voice ice–cold. “Don’t overlook any detail.”

“Yes, ma am Matthew responded

“And the one in the basement? Vienne asked

His vital sighs are stable Matthew replied

After ingesting Vivientes life saving pill, the man’s condition improved, though he remained

unconscious

“Good Keep me updated Vivienne ended the call but her expression remained unreadable

In the hospital’s pharmacology department Calista was chatting with a doctor she knew She had

orginaly come to the hospital on other business. but upon hearin Richard’s situation, she decided to

pay him a visit with a fruit basket in hand

You wouldn’t believe the surgeon who operated on Richard Twe been in the medical field for over two

decades, and I’ve never sken someone sew up an moszton flawlessly!

“Her hands were incredibly steady She made incitions right next to the heart! it was absolutely

breathtaking There are few who could put off such a surgery!

Cabsta, overhearing their excited discussion about Richards surgery, couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

“Who is this sorgeron you’re talking about? De 1 kaow ber

Chapter 289

The crowd all shook their heads “She isn’t on the staff at our hospital. It seems like she was specially

brought in from somewhere else”

“Her capabilities are extraordinary. She is definitely better than you, Calista. It’s a shame you missed

that surgery, it would have been a great opportunity to learn.”

Calista could tolerate many things, but she couldn’t accept someone saying her surgical skills were

inadequate.

She was second to none in her medical proficiency. No one could surpass her, especially considering

her prestigious lineage.

Making an excuse. Calista stood up and took her fruit basket, heading towards Richard’s hospital room.

She bumped into Percival right at the doorway and a smile quickly spread across her face “Mr

Ellington, so you’re here too”

Afraid that he might not remember her, Calista added, Tm Calista, the head of the TIC Research

Institute”