The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 703

Vivienne left the Brooks household and immediately dialed Cecilia to let her know that she was taking Isolde out for some fun. By the time she arrived, Isolde was already waiting eagerly at the doorstep.

"Vivienne, I've missed you so much!" Isolde beamed with joy.

Warmed by the affectionate yearnings of both Isolde and Thaddeus, Vivienne took their hands and set off on their little adventure. Amelia's home was situated in the suburbs, a good distance away.

Vivienne navigated using the address Cordelia had given her, only to discover upon arrival that it was a run-down neighborhood.

Amelia lived in a storage room at the bottom of the apartment complex. Cordelia had mentioned that due to their inability to pay rent, they had no choice but to settle for a damp and affordable storage space. Knocking on the door, it swung open quickly, revealing a woman in her thirties, looking worn and tired. Her clothing, washed countless times, had taken on a yellowish hue.

Vivienne froze at the sight of her. It was her!

Years ago, in Havenwood, her mother, under a concealed identity, was expelled from their home by Beatrice on a rainy day. With no transportation nearby and no shelter from the rain, a kind woman pulled up in her car, offering them help when they needed it the most.

At the time, Vivienne was unaware that with her mother's abilities, a simple phone call could have resolved their predicament, but her mother couldn't risk exposure by contacting anyone. Thus, the woman's assistance was a godsend.

Once in the woman's car, they learned she was a tourist caught in the Havenwood downpour. Dressed elegantly and possessing a generous heart, she booked them a hotel room and ordered them meals. When the rain ceased the following day, the woman left them five hundred dollars, explaining she wouldn't be in Havenwood for long and, unlikely to help them again, wished them well for the future.

That sum may have been trivial to the woman then, but to Vivienne and her mother, Karen, it was a lifeline.

Karen insisted that if Vivienne ever had the chance to repay the woman's kindness, she should do so twofold.

This memory had stayed with Vivienne. After reuniting with Karen, they discussed the incident. Vivienne questioned why, with her mother's capabilities, they had to struggle for money, even in hiding. Karen explained that while she could've easily earned money, doing so would've drawn the attention of GTO and Vanguard Agency. Using her abilities might have led to their capture, and while Karen herself wasn't afraid, her primary concern was protecting Vivienne.

"Thaddeus, Isolde, what brings you here?" Kaitlyn was surprised to see Thaddeus and Isolde.

Cordelia hadn't informed her that Vivienne would be taking Amelia out, so she was unaware of their plans.

"Mrs. Littleton, we've come to play with Amelia," Isolde said politely.

Kaitlyn smiled warmly. "Thank you for coming."

Then, turning to Vivienne, she asked curiously, "And who might you be?"

Thaddeus, gripping Vivienne's hand, excitedly introduced her. "This is my sister! She's taking us out today. Mrs. Littleton, my sister is really nice; she won't let us get lost."

"Your sister?" Kaitlyn looked puzzled. She had only met Thaddeus's mother before and not his sister.

"Yep, yep, my sister is super pretty," Thaddeus gushed unabashedly.

Kaitlyn couldn't help but laugh. Then she addressed Vivienne, "Well then, I hope you don't mind taking Amelia along."

Under normal circumstances, she didn't like to impose on others. But today, she felt unwell, weak to the point of being unable to stand and care for Amelia.

Vivienne was brought back to reality by Kaitlyn's words. She eyed Kaitlyn, lips pursed, then said softly, "Don't you recognize me?"

Kaitlyn looked taken aback. "I'm sorry, who are you?"

She truly didn't have any recollection.

"Twelve years ago, in Havenwood, you helped a mother and daughter, giving them five hundred dollars," Vivienne reminded her.

Kaitlyn stood still, took a moment to remember, and then her face lit up with recognition. "Oh, it's you! You've grown so much; I didn't recognize you at all!"

Vivienne's gaze drifted past Kaitlyn into the room behind her, her expression turning somber. "May I come in?"

Kaitlyn's expression faltered. "It's quite a mess inside... I'm afraid..."

Before she could finish, Vivienne stepped inside, only to stop dead in her tracks.

This was no place for anyone to live.

It was a single room with three beds thrown together and clutter everywhere. Two elderly people were cooking on a makeshift stove in the corner while a man lay in a bed further in. Upon seeing Vivienne enter, everyone paused, then turned to Kaitlyn with questioning looks. "Kaitlyn, who is this?"

Kaitlyn had wanted to stop Vivienne, but failing to do so, she quickly explained, "Mom, Dad, she's a friend I knew from before."

Afterward, Kaitlyn, somewhat awkwardly, said to Vivienne, "Ms. Hawthorn, I'm sorry, but we really don't have anywhere to sit..."

Vivienne pressed her lips together, her fingers tightening at her side. After a moment, she managed a smile. "I'm fine standing, Kaitlyn. Don't worry about it."

Seeing that Vivienne didn't seem put off, Kaitlyn let out a sigh of relief, then pointed to the two seniors and introduced them to Vivienne, "These are my in-laws, Sadie and Julian."

The elderly couple quickly extended their hands but stopped midway as if realizing something. They withdrew their hands and greeted her with warm smiles, "Hello there!" Vivienne reached out, shaking their hands firmly. "Nice to meet you."

Witnessing this exchange, a nerve seemed to twinge in Kaitlyn's heart, and tears streamed down her face unexpectedly.

Spotting her mother's tears, Amelia rushed to her side with concern. "Mom, why are you crying?"

Kaitlyn wiped her tears away, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, honey. Mommy is just..."

She was just overwhelmed.

Over the years, people had shunned their family, avoiding them as if they were a plague. The relatives and friends who hadn't kicked them when they were down were considered kind, let alone those who would actually step into their home to shake hands with her in-laws.

Everyone seemed to think they were tainted.

The Hawthorn family had gained some prominence in Rivenwood, and Vivienne's outfit was clearly expensive. Kaitlyn hadn't expected her to show no disdain for them whatsoever.

Drying her eyes, Kaitlyn next pointed to a younger man and said to Vivienne, "This is my husband, Tyler."

The man was wheelchair-bound, unable to stand, bracing himself with his hands as he tried to shift forward slightly in greeting.

Vivienne approached him and extended her hand. "Pleased to meet you!"

Tyler paused for a few seconds, then carefully reached out his hand. "And you too."

After the greetings, Vivienne turned to Kaitlyn and said, "Years ago, you gave us five hundred dollars, which helped us survive through tough times. I've always remembered your kindness and have been looking for you ever since, wanting to repay that money."

She paused for a moment before adding with a slight grin, "But now, I don't want to pay you back anymore!"