The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

A flash of fury flickered in Fiona’s eyes, piercing through Jeffrey like an unseen gust of frosty air, so cold it was almost freezing.

Jeffrey jumped, a bit cowed. “I was just asking for your input, you know?”

Heloise stepped in to smooth things over. “Fiona, your brother didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t be mad.”

Fiona picked up her tablet again, saying indifferently, “I want to launch my latest design at Grandpa’s birthday bash.”

At this, the others in the household perked up.

Fiona was the head of the jewelry design department at the company.

Richard greatly valued her work, so her family branch received many privileges.

However, it had been a while since Fiona had released a new design, leading to a bit of a slump in sales.

Now, she planned to unveil a new collection at the birthday bash, which could certainly help cover the deficit!

“That’s my girl,” cooed Heloise, “Don’t overwork yourself. I’ll go fix you some supper.”

“Yeah, sweetheart, have something to eat. Don’t tire yourself out. If this works out, I’ll buy you that sports car you’ve been eyeing,” Henry said.

Henry and Heloise could not be happier. They were ready to give Fiona the moon and the stars if she asked for them, let alone cars and suppers. All that mattered was for their family branch to shine in front of Richard.

Used to her parents’ doting, Fiona retreated to her room with her tablet to continue her work.

This design had consumed all of her time and passion, yet she felt it still lacked something compared to master Jessica’s work.

Jeffrey felt a twinge of jealousy.

It was just jewelry design. They had all studied art; it was nothing special.

But if Fiona wanted to grab the spotlight, he was not about to be left behind.

He needed to ensure Vivienne got a taste of her own medicine at the party, or else Fiona would hog all the attention.

Richard’s birthday bash was fast approaching.

It was a big deal for the Ellington family, and Percival was swept up in the preparations.

charge of everything, even making sure to

entrance with his granddaughter-in-law. He thought it would add

from the bustle, Percival relayed the news to Vivienne. “Grandpa has a few ideas

help but

just wait for me at home. I’ve also invited the Perez family,” Percival said as he slipped a piece of cake into Vivienne’s

the mention of

isn’t that closely linked with

reached out a few days ago, wanting to discuss some business opportunities related to the

Vivienne raised an

genuine, and it would be rude not to entertain the

would complain about having

it was all going to his

she had, the tighter her hold

massive loss if she ran

had nine meddlesome ‘brothers-in-law’ dreaming

mention that Aaron

family could be good partners,” Vivienne said thoughtfully, finishing off all the

should not have too much sweetness. So, the unhealthy indulgence would be her burden to

a thoughtful fiancée

could only

Too thoughtful

of refreshing water, saying, “The Perez family is a solid partner,

Vivienne blinked, “What animosity?”

Had her intelligence dropped?

hostility from

“Maybe they think

Vivienne was speechless.

really what

been spending too much time with Leopold, picking

“At the birthday bash, things might get a bit turbulent for the Ellingtons.

“Sure,” Vivienne nodded.

had been overthinking things. Now, she just wanted to

Wolf. She had heard the food at the bash was excellent. She had lost some weight recently. Time to

…

the day of the birthday

personally drove to pick up Dorian’s