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. Otherwise, Jasper would have scared

Vivienne were a match made in heaven –

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

chit-chat, Jasper

the door closed, Jasper asked, “How

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

but to be safe, Yuri had arranged to get them from Vivienne a

expected, Jasper was still somewhat

asked me to tell you that running more paternity

close to

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

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

arrived early at the restaurant they had chosen, only to find Dawson already

have to stand up for me. I can’t let Vivienne really marry Percival. No one on

her about

Vivienne was, she realized

to break up her favorite couple,

in Vivienne’s affairs? Say another word, and

feared most was his aunt. He clamped his

Jasper, with Yuri and

them, “You all came

into each other outside,” Vivienne replied, helping

told you, Vivienne

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

Vivienne and Jasper shot him

this any of your

“Talk about fate.

who sat next to Vivienne, said with a light smile, “Vivienne often remarks on her

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

knew how to charm the people close