The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Aaron had barely taken a few steps when he caught sight of Vivienne on Percival’s arm, accompanied by her family and Richard, heading in the opposite direction.

Frustration bubbled within him. “Weren’t we supposed to split them up from the get-go? What now?”

Equally taken aback by his grandfather’s intervention, Kenneth sighed. “The first step of the plan is a bust. What else?”

The two young men exchanged a look of mutual disdain before parting ways.

From a distance, Vivienne was surprised to see Aaron and Kenneth together.

“Are those two playing nice again?” She asked.

Percival found Aaron’s presence irritating, but he could not show it too openly, given that Aaron was a friend of Vivienne’s. Thus, he said calmly, “Who knows? Let them be.”

Vivienne did not press any further.

Richard followed the rehearsed plan to the letter, entering with Vivienne at his side, ensuring she was the center of attention.

Vivienne, albeit reluctantly, complied. After all, the birthday boy calls the shots.

While they waited, Fiona approached them.

“Grandpa, Vivienne,” she said, holding a box that contained her latest jewelry design. “Grandpa, after your speech, I hope Vivienne can wear this set to showcase it. What do you think?”

Richard’s displeasure was evident, though he remained silent.

He intended for Vivienne to be seen purely as part of his entourage, to underscore his status, not as a billboard for the company.

Fiona hastily added, “I just think the jewels would look stunning on Vivienne. That’s all.”

company’s good, Richard could not bring himself to reprimand her. “Vivienne will simply accompany me for the entrance. You can

refusal, Fiona had no choice but to let

as Master Charles, combining it with her jewelry concept to

piece in Fiona’s hands. It was eye-catching at first, but she knew it lacked staying power and could quickly

said, leading her into the ballroom to

Fiona. “How did that

you dare mess up my

an excellent opportunity that could

confident that any

on taking Percival down. Instead, she aimed to cement her position in her grandfather’s heart and lower Percival’s

family branch? You spend your days fiddling with those trinkets; it’s messed with your brain. If you keep at this pace, Percival will take over the Ellington family sooner or later. Then, let’s see if you’ll still have the mood

Jeffrey had not taken him seriously. What could a good-for-nothing do,

he had focused on battling Paul, which had left

now released, he had lost his

the art exhibition debacle, had to bite

the Ellington

lost cause? It

against Paul, to reap the benefits

not about to let that happen. If he did not act soon, the Ellington family

Percival down. At the very least, he had

flaring with malice before she turned away. “This is your last warning.

walked away, leaving Jeffrey to spit after her in

Fiona was out of

guests filled the room, the master of ceremonies delivered the opening remarks, inviting Richard to

took the stage with only Vivienne by his side, signaling the importance

Vivienne’s standing in Rivenwood’s high

now, the influential families knew she was Percival’s fiancée, Richard’s

thinking of crossing Vivienne would now have to weigh their