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.”

resignation. Luckily, Vivienne was not her granddaughter. Otherwise, Jasper would have scared Percival off long

match made in

been quietly shipping them for ages. In fact, she was the queen bee of their shipping community

chit-chat, Jasper pulled

closed, Jasper asked, “How did

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

they could have gotten Vivienne’s DNA after tomorrow’s dinner, but to be safe, Yuri had arranged to get them from Vivienne a day

was still somewhat surprised.

running more paternity tests won’t

feels so close to me. Even

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

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

restaurant they had chosen, only to

for me. I can’t let Vivienne really marry Percival. No

had always talked to her about Vivienne, singing praises so high that, at first, Zelda had thought he was seeing through rose-colored

Vivienne was, she realized Dawson’s words had

Dawson was trying to break up her favorite couple, and that was something she could not

you have to meddle in Vivienne’s affairs? Say another word, and I’ll have Vivienne render

most was his

supporting Jasper, with

greeted them, “You all came

helping Jasper to

“I told you, Vivienne

planned to meet for lunch. What fate are you talking about?” Not fully aware of

both Vivienne and Jasper

this any

about fate. Jinxed

a light smile, “Vivienne often remarks on

Jasper; throughout the meal, he could not have been more fond of

in frustration. Percival always knew how to charm the