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?

up and was fiery as a

curled in amusement upon

more important than granddaughter-in-law at the

was practically sprinting,

Richard and Percival emerge; with

voice was ice cold,

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

these nine were Vivienne’s disciples since his last

men were stunned

something like this happens, you’d better show

men were

What’s going on?

confusion, Richard

him, he declared, “There! This scoundrel! He’s abandoned my granddaughter-in-law. Go settle the score with him. And don’t worry, I’ll

Percival gasped in surprise.

you serious? He spoke

“What are you waiting for? Go settle the score! Or what? Are you

his men blinked their

right! The story wasn’t supposed to

action, not get lectured by a grumpy

a reset! This plot twist was not what

You played with Vivienne’s feelings and now you dare to dump her, huh? Today, you’ll learn that we,

Vivienne was so good to you. She had saved Isolde, helped Richard, sent Mrs. Cecilia perfumes and clothes. She gave you her best, and yet this is how you

with you! From now

an eyebrow,

sure!” Leopold

slightly, “Alright,

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

comes back? Oh no, she won’t be my granddaughter-in-law anymore; I plan to adopt Vivienne as my granddaughter. This is her home and it can’t be blown up. If you must, take that scoundrel out and blow him

Percival’s eyes went wide.