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.”

we come from a wealthy

had recently been exposed for seeking a sugar daddy, and Vivienne’s insinuation hit a nerve. “Dare to say that again, Vivienne, and I’ll tear your mouth

I dare!” Vivienne’s lips curled 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

How did

Lila saw things were going south, she blocked

embezzled three million from her team. You rejected lucrative roles for her, costing Lucia a hit show. Oh, and another thing, it was you who exposed your sister’s hotel room

went pale.

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

of her mouth, engaged in a full-blown

was nothing

how do you

secrets meant to

radiant and striking. “Gossip news, your favorite,

loved gossip, but this was

evening, Paloma let slip the catfight between the Lucia sisters. In response, Lucia hired some online trolls

to leave showbiz. Vivienne, known for her

murderer’s granddaughter doesn’t belong in showbiz.] Vivienne shot back, “And you do? Who’s asking

Aren’t you afraid of karma?

“I’m not afraid. The

comment in Kala’s defense

grandmother was a murderer, but she’s not. Why are you guys

and, without a word, donated a lavish virtual gift worth thousands of

Even the trolls started

think you can buy us? Don’t think you can bribe

rich, so what?

anything wrong. She’s a good actress. I’ve watched her every

gifted this person as

slowly

her talent. The

exploded

[Long live Vivienne!]

me look bad, but I’m all ears for Vivienne. Oh, and I’m a