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.”

Luckily, Vivienne was not her granddaughter.

were a match made in heaven –

for ages. In fact, she was

a bit more chit-chat, Jasper pulled Yuri

closed, Jasper asked, “How did

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

dinner, but to be safe,

still somewhat surprised. “Vivienne

that running more paternity tests won’t change

“I’m not obsessed. It’s just she feels so close to me.

as soon as possible. Don’t worry, Dad. You’ll be the first to know as soon as the results are

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

at the restaurant they had chosen,

you’re finally here. You have to stand up for me. I can’t let Vivienne really marry Percival. No one on

nephew and had always been close to her. He had always talked to her about Vivienne, singing praises so high that, at first, Zelda had thought he

who Vivienne was,

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

have to meddle in Vivienne’s affairs? Say another word, and I’ll have Vivienne render you speechless!” Zelda eyed

was his aunt. He clamped his mouth shut

arrived, supporting Jasper, with Yuri

greeted them, “You all

outside,” Vivienne replied, helping Jasper to his seat and sitting

you, Vivienne and

are you talking about?” Not fully aware of Sasha’s situation, Dawson did not quite grasp

both Vivienne and Jasper shot him

any of

“Talk about

who sat next to Vivienne, said with a light smile, “Vivienne

the meal, he could not have

Percival always knew how to