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?

could speak, Richard leapt up and was fiery as a rocket, “Perfect

lips curled in amusement upon seeing his

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

followed suit, while Richard was practically sprinting, eager to

ones saw Richard and Percival emerge; with that,

voice was ice

head, fuming, “You call yourselves Vivienne’s disciples? She’s been bullied and you only show up now? Did she mean nothing to

were Vivienne’s disciples since

and his men were stunned

better show up sooner. Not a

and his men were more

What’s going on?

confusion, Richard grew

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.

He spoke

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

men blinked their

wasn’t

action, not get lectured by

needed a reset! This plot twist was not what they signed up

now you dare to dump her, huh? Today, you’ll learn that we,

thought you’d be this kind of man. 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

declared, “I’m done with you! From now on, we’re no

eyebrow, “Are you

Leopold stated

quirked slightly, “Alright, I get

gate, speaking with nonchalance, “Why bother with all this talk? I’ve already arranged for the Brooks’ fireworks to

where will 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 him up, then dig a grave and bury what’s

Percival’s eyes went wide.