The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The cameras started rolling, and the reality show “Escape to the Wild” was underway.

The production team had scouted a variety of campgrounds, but it was up to the celebrity contestants to fend for themselves when it came to food and drink. At 8:30 each evening, a live broadcast was scheduled where fans could interact with the stars and vote for the least favorite. The one with the most votes would end up playing butler for the next day, taking care of all the chores.

On the first day of shooting, the group worked together to set up tents and cook dinner. It just so happened that Vivienne was not exactly an outdoorsy type.

Neither was Kala.

“Let me handle this, Granny. Why don’t you sit and chat with Bo… Vivienne and the others?” Stephen, the only guy in the group, naturally took on more of the physical tasks.

Lucia and Lila also sat down, shamelessly buttering up Paloma Harris.

“Ma’am, your skin is just radiant.”

“Ma’am, being around you feels just like being with my mom. So comforting.”

The old lady was baffled. These two girls were not exactly known for their integrity, but they sure had sweet tongues.

Paloma clicked her tongue. “Oh, honey, we come from a family of good looks.”

Vivienne could not help but burst into laughter.

Kala quickly tugged at her. “Vivienne, stop laughing. It’s not nice.”

Lucia and Lila did not dare confront Paloma, so they redirected her anger toward Vivienne. “You think it’s funny? A murderer’s granddaughter, I’d hide my face if I were you.”

Kala hung her head in shame.

But Vivienne, legs crossed nonchalantly, eyed Lucia. “Heard that the murderer gene is hereditary. Want me to give it a try tonight?”

Lucia shivered. “Are you trying to scare me? You dare say anything. Aren’t you afraid of biting your tongue?”

“If you’re not scared, why should I be?” Vivienne retorted coolly.

Seeing her sister outmatched, Lila chimed in. “Let’s not stoop to arguing with fools. We do our part. Justice shall prevail. Some people never change, and if it weren’t for family support, they’d be nothing.”

that? We strive even though we come from a wealthy background, while some, without a leg up from daddy, turn to sugar daddies. Can’t

a sugar daddy, and Vivienne’s insinuation hit

into a sly smile. “You were caught in the Atherine Inn’s presidential suite with a corporate bigwig by his wife. She stripped you and dragged you from the penthouse to the lobby. It cost half a million to bury the photos, and you’re here to settle that debt. Basically,

froze. How did

saw things were going south, she blocked

her, costing Lucia a hit show. Oh, and

pale.

it was you! I’ll start with your mouth!” In a rage, Lucia slapped Lila across

the corner of her

satisfaction. There was nothing better

“Vivienne, how do

secrets meant to die

mischievously, radiant and striking. “Gossip news,

was speechless. She loved gossip, but this was no

slip the catfight between the Lucia sisters. In response,

Kala to leave showbiz. Vivienne, known for her sharp tongue, went into full

doesn’t belong in showbiz.]

Aren’t you afraid of karma?

The lightning strikes the idle

a lone comment in Kala’s defense appeared,

but she’s not. Why are you guys

to a private chat and, without a word, donated a lavish

stunned. Even the trolls started to change their

buy us?

so what? What

Kala didn’t do anything wrong. She’s a

this person as

trolls slowly turned

earned every role with her talent. The intelligent ones know it. I don’t want to hear another

chat exploded

[Long live Vivienne!]

bad, but I’m all ears for