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.

took charge of everything, even making sure to

looking forward to making a grand entrance with his granddaughter-in-law.

Percival relayed the news to Vivienne. “Grandpa has a few ideas for making an entrance. He’s even thinking of

but laugh at

folks the day after tomorrow, so just wait for me at home. I’ve also invited the Perez family,” Percival said as he slipped a piece of

was surprised by the mention of

business isn’t that closely linked with ours. Why the invite?” She

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

raised an

seem genuine, and it would be rude not to entertain the

complain about having too

was all

had, the tighter her hold on

suffer a massive loss if she

nine meddlesome ‘brothers-in-law’ dreaming of breaking them

to mention that

Perez family could be good partners,” Vivienne

Wolf’s health, he should not have too much sweetness. So, the unhealthy indulgence would be

a

could only smile

indeed! Too thoughtful to

refreshing water, saying, “The Perez family is a solid partner, but their animosity towards me, especially Jasper, runs

Vivienne blinked, “What animosity?”

Had her intelligence dropped?

noticed any hostility from Jasper towards Mr.

just laughed. “Maybe they think I’m not good

Vivienne was speechless.

that really what

time with Leopold, picking up

birthday bash, things might get a bit turbulent for the Ellingtons. Keep a close eye

“Sure,” Vivienne nodded.

she had been overthinking things. Now, she just wanted to

work would be left to Mr. Wolf. She had heard the food at the bash was excellent.

…

the day of the birthday

to pick up Dorian’s