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.”

her. “Vivienne will simply accompany me for the entrance. You can wear the set yourself—it’ll be more convenient. I’ll give you a moment to

his refusal, Fiona had no choice

leverage Vivienne’s identity as Master Charles, combining it with her jewelry concept to create a

eye-catching at first, but she knew it lacked staying power

leading her into the

the shadows, his mocking gaze on Fiona. “How did that go? Got shot down, huh? Looks like it’s

turned icy as she warned, “Don’t you dare mess up my jewelry debut,

to be an excellent opportunity that could have been used to take

was confident that any move she made during the gala would end in

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

with your brain. If you keep at this pace, Percival will take over

was deemed a ‘lost cause,’ Jeffrey had not taken him seriously. What could

he had focused on battling Paul, which

was now released, he had lost his standing in their

by the art exhibition debacle, had to bite

events within the Ellington family had given

It had all

all to pit him against Paul, to reap the

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

an opportunity he could not miss. He had to drag Percival down. At the very least, he had to ensure Percival and Vivienne did not

momentarily flaring with malice before she turned away. “This is your last warning. If you ruin my plans, you’ll

her in disdain.

was out of

the master of ceremonies delivered the opening remarks, inviting Richard

side, signaling the

Vivienne’s standing in Rivenwood’s

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

weigh their stature against the might of the Ellington