The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the Perez Mansion.

After Yuri returned, he found Zelda in her walk-in closet, rummaging through several designer bags still in their pristine packaging.

Each one was a unique, limited-edition treasure!

“This one would look adorable on Vivienne. A little lady her age would look just darling with this color.

This one’s not bad either; it goes with everything and is perfect for any outfit.

This one isn’t for everyday use, but when Vivienne and Percival get married, she’ll need something for the galas. This clutch would be just right.”

Yuri watched his wife meticulously select each item, his smile indulgent. “That’s enough for now, love. We can always gift more another time.”

They were having dinner with Vivienne’s family tomorrow, and Zelda was taking it very seriously, spending days picking out the perfect present.

“There will always be a next time. How long has it been since we last saw Vivienne? Besides, just the other week, she sent some medicines for Yasmine and Natalia. We’re already discharged, and still, she showed so much care, so we have to show our appreciation, don’t we?”

Zelda rolled her eyes at Yuri. Then, her gaze fell on a set of matching outfits in the closet.

She had stumbled upon them while shopping and could not resist buying them. However, she had yet to wear them with Yuri.

Perfect, she thought, they could give them to Vivienne and Percival.

Jasper, leaning on his cane, frowned, “I still say that Ellington boy isn’t good enough for Vivienne.”

Zelda chuckled in disbelief, “Dad, why wouldn’t he be? Percival is one of the station’s most capable and strategic young men. If he weren’t still climbing the ranks due to his youth, he’d have been promoted to a desk job by now.”

Jasper scoffed. “Hmph! And Vivienne isn’t exceptional? With her talents at such a young age, is that man really her match?”

Yuri sighed. “Dad, I think you believe there aren’t many out there who are worthy of Vivienne, right?”

Jasper finally nodded with satisfaction, “Exactly.”

her head in resignation. Luckily, Vivienne was not her granddaughter. Otherwise,

and Vivienne were a match made in heaven – in

for ages. In fact, she was the queen bee of their

more chit-chat, Jasper pulled

door closed, Jasper asked, “How did

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

could have gotten Vivienne’s DNA after tomorrow’s dinner, but to be

Jasper was still somewhat surprised.

to tell you that running

not obsessed. It’s just she feels so close to

the items sent over as soon as possible. Don’t worry, Dad. You’ll be the first to know as soon as the

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

restaurant they had chosen, only to find Dawson already there,

I can’t let Vivienne really marry Percival. No one on this earth is worthy of

Zelda’s only nephew and had always been close to her. He had always talked to her about

who Vivienne was, she realized Dawson’s

now Dawson was trying to break up her favorite couple, and that was something she could

have to meddle in Vivienne’s affairs? Say another word,

Vivienne, the person Dawson feared most was his aunt. He clamped his mouth shut at

arrived, supporting Jasper, with

“You all came

helping Jasper to his seat

beamed, “I told you, Vivienne and

fully aware of Sasha’s situation, Dawson did not quite grasp the tender

and Jasper shot him a

any of your

muttered, “Talk about

Vivienne, said with a light smile, “Vivienne often remarks on her deep connection with you, Jasper. It seems

chord with Jasper; throughout the meal, he could not have been more

Percival always knew how to charm the people close to