The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Aaron eyed Kenneth with a frosty gaze.

“Spit it out. I don’t have all day for your blather,” he said, not in the mood for Kenneth’s usual nonsense.

Kenneth fell silent momentarily, then muttered, “Word on the street is you played the hero for Vivienne. Right now, my brother Percival is probably playing doctor with her in the hospital room; might as well be swapping spit already.”

Aaron bolted upright, nearly tearing his stitches. “What did you say? Vivienne is so young. Has Percival no shame?”

“Oh, don’t pin it on my brother. It’s Vivienne who’s been throwing herself at him!” Kenneth’s face darkened instantly.

“Bullshit!” Aaron snapped back.

“I don’t spout crap like you do!” Kenneth retorted coldly.

Aaron took a breath, trying to keep his cool. “What exactly do you want to tell me?”

Kenneth glanced back at the closed door of the ward, then leaned in closer to Aaron as if sharing a secret.

Aaron pushed him away, disgusted. “We’re alone in here. Just get to the point.”

“What if we team up to keep Vivienne away from my brother? What do you say?” Kenneth was not skulking around anymore; he had had this idea for quite some time.

Aaron’s actions had proved his deep feelings for Vivienne, making him the perfect ally in Kenneth’s plot to break her away from Percival.

Aaron eyed Kenneth skeptically. “Team up? How?”

They whispered back and forth until Mark strolled in with a doctor.

Kenneth’s presence surprised Mark as much as Bennett and the others earlier.

“Kenneth, here to see Aaron, are you? Thanks for caring,” Mark said, the picture of warmth.

With Mark’s return, it was Kenneth’s cue to leave without making it awkward.

He slapped Aaron on the shoulder, “No need for formalities, we’re all brothers here!”

him off, eager for him to

his hand, shooting Aaron meaningful glances, his eyes saying, “Don’t forget our

wondering if teaming up with Kenneth was

then,” Kenneth said, exiting

he left, the doctor gave Aaron a thorough check before Mark

“Don’t be so reckless next time. What if

That’s what matters most,” Aaron said nonchalantly, seeing his father more as a means to an end to become the Miller family heir and

“Still, you’re not the one to protect her. No more

did not argue further, as he never intended to heed

month is Richard’s birthday bash,

“Yes, what about

you,” Aaron said, a subtle gleam

surprised. “You

just stick around school forever, can I? You said networking is essential, right?” Aaron challenged, “Or do you think my status as a bastard son isn’t fitting

birthday was a grand affair in the Ellington family, with many clamoring

and many business

to attend, surprising and delighting Mark, who said,

the topic and

his son’s disinterest, he stayed silent, aware that Aaron was not

…

only two days, and he would have left sooner

had mended his leg, proper rest was critical to

Leopold took

now, Mr. Ellington? Are you short on chauffeurs?” Leopold

problem? You used to

know you were whisking away Vivienne. Now

not finishing

them

His patience had limits!

already showing restraint

now to be

in the car. Every ride was guaranteed to have at least

a masochist, seeking out agony

“I hear