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

forward to making a grand entrance with his granddaughter-in-law. He thought it

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

could not help but laugh at

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

was surprised by the mention of the Perez

isn’t that closely linked with

a few days ago, wanting to discuss some business

Vivienne raised

genuine, and it would be rude not to

would complain about having too much

all going to

she had, the tighter her

he would suffer a massive loss if she

nine meddlesome ‘brothers-in-law’ dreaming of

mention that

Vivienne said thoughtfully, finishing off all the

too much sugar was not good. For Mr. Wolf’s health, he should not have too much sweetness. So, the unhealthy indulgence would be her burden to bear. After all, being ten years younger, she

a

could only smile

indeed! Too

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

Vivienne blinked, “What animosity?”

Had her intelligence dropped?

had not noticed any hostility from

“Maybe they think I’m

Vivienne was speechless.

that really what

spending too much time

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

“Sure,” Vivienne nodded.

been overthinking things. Now,

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

…

day of

personally drove to pick up