The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Nine men, fire in their eyes, stormed the Ellington estate.

Percival was dealing with his grandfather Richard’s tantrum and feeling such a headache.

The old man had returned from a stint at the nursing home only to find out that the engagement had been called off on his behalf. He nearly flipped the roof in his outrage.

First, he laid into Percival without mercy, then he dropped to the floor and began to roll around.

Like now, he was wailing and flailing like a hooligan, crying out, “My dear wife, I can’t go on, so come take me away! This ungrateful grandson of mine has gone behind my back and called off the engagement. He must think my days are too long, beckoning the Grim Reaper to come for me sooner!”

“Oh, my baby granddaughter-in-law, I’m so sorry that I let this heartless scoundrel disappoint you. I can’t face you. I can only apologize with my death!”

“But rest assured, I’ll take this disrespectful grandson with me before I die to avenge you!”

“My dear wife, you gave birth to several boys and girls and I appreciate that. But our genes weren’t strong enough. Our kids are worthless. They’re killing me with their lack of filiality!”

“It’s over, I can’t take it. I’m short of breath. My chest is tight, my head’s spinning, and all I see is darkness. I might be joining you soon.”

“What? You don’t want me to come? No, I can’t live with the shame, not after my grandson has driven away my granddaughter-in-law. Unless, unless that ungrateful boy gets her back for me.”

Percival sighed.

Great!

Looks like his grandpa’s performance was set for an encore.

He glanced at Richard, then instructed the maid, “Fetch a cushion; don’t let him catch a cold.”

Want to play the fool? Play on.

The maid nodded and was about to fetch the cushion when another maid rushed in, “Young Master Percival, there are nine angry men outside and asking for you!”

Percival mused.

Nine?

Leopold was back too?

he could speak, Richard leapt up and was fiery as a

curled in amusement

the grandson was more important than granddaughter-in-law at the end of

practically sprinting, eager to

and other eight ones saw Richard and Percival emerge;

was ice

could finish, Richard slapped him upside the head, fuming, “You call yourselves Vivienne’s disciples? She’s been bullied and you only show up now? Did she mean nothing

Vivienne’s

men were stunned by what

time something like this happens, you’d better show up sooner. Not a

and his men

What’s going on?

their confusion, Richard grew even

my granddaughter-in-law. Go settle the score with him. And don’t worry, I’ll lock the door. He

Percival gasped in surprise.

serious? He

head again, “What are you waiting for? Go settle the score! Or what?

men blinked

right! The story wasn’t supposed to go this

not get lectured by a grumpy

a reset! This plot twist was

snapped back to reality. He roared, “Percival! You piece of crap! You played with Vivienne’s feelings and now you dare

Percival, added, “Percival! I never thought you’d be this kind of man. Vivienne was so good to you. She had

heartbroken, declared, “I’m done with you!

eyebrow,

Leopold stated

lips quirked slightly, “Alright, I

all this talk? I’ve already arranged for the Brooks’ fireworks to be

be my granddaughter-in-law anymore; I plan to adopt Vivienne as my granddaughter. This

Percival’s eyes went wide.