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

were a match made in heaven – in looks

she was

more chit-chat, Jasper pulled Yuri

door closed, Jasper asked, “How did

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

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

Jasper was still somewhat surprised.

asked me to tell you that running more paternity tests won’t change anything.

It’s just she feels so close to me. Even if the result is disappointing, I have

have the items sent over as soon as possible. Don’t

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

they had chosen, only

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

only 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

knew who Vivienne was, she realized

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

Say another word, and I’ll

feared most was his aunt. He clamped

Vivienne arrived, supporting Jasper, with Yuri and Percival trailing

“You

into each other outside,” Vivienne replied, helping Jasper to

told you, Vivienne and

lunch. What fate are you talking about?” Not fully aware of

this, both Vivienne and Jasper shot him a

this any of

about fate. Jinxed

a light smile, “Vivienne often remarks on her deep connection with you,

throughout the meal, he could not have been

knew how to charm the people close