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?

leapt up and was fiery as a rocket, “Perfect

curled in amusement upon seeing

than granddaughter-in-law

sprinting, eager to cover two paces in

eight ones saw Richard and

was ice

slapped him upside the head, fuming, “You call yourselves Vivienne’s disciples? She’s been bullied and you only show up now?

were Vivienne’s disciples since his last hospital

his men were stunned by

happens, you’d better show up sooner.

his men

What’s going on?

their confusion, Richard

pointing at Percival behind 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 lock the door.

Percival gasped in surprise.

you serious? He spoke

the nine still unmoved, Richard slapped Jerry’s head again, “What are you waiting for? Go settle the score! Or

and his men

wasn’t supposed

not

plot twist was not

and now you dare to dump

had saved Isolde, helped Richard, sent Mrs. Cecilia perfumes and clothes. She gave

heartbroken, declared, “I’m done with

eyebrow, “Are

sure!” Leopold

quirked slightly, “Alright,

talk? I’ve already arranged for the Brooks’ fireworks to be brought over. Let’s blow up the Ellington place and

my granddaughter-in-law stay when she 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

Percival’s eyes went wide.