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,

her eyes, Percival and Vivienne were a match made in

fact, she was the

more chit-chat, Jasper

Jasper asked, “How did it

Yuri nodded. “Got it.”

dinner, but to be safe, Yuri

was still somewhat surprised.

wasn’t. She just asked me to tell you that running more

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

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

Reassured, Jasper relaxed.

…

The next day.

at the restaurant they had

you’re finally here. You have to stand up for me. I can’t let Vivienne

talked to her about Vivienne, singing praises so high that, at first, Zelda had thought he

she knew who Vivienne was, she realized

now Dawson was trying to break up her favorite couple,

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

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

supporting Jasper, with Yuri and Percival

them, “You all came

replied, helping Jasper to his seat and

you, Vivienne

about?” Not fully aware of Sasha’s

Vivienne and Jasper shot him

any

muttered, “Talk about

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

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

frustration. Percival always knew