The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Micah had reached his boiling point. With a swift motion that spoke volumes of his vexation, he grabbed the folder from the table and brought it crashing down on Leopold’s head. “Damn it, Leopold, I’m just asking you to deliver a message to her!”

Rubbing his sore head, Leopold mumbled, “Alright, what’s the message?”

“Tell her that the head office is interested in striking a deal with her about the new explosives project…”

“Impossible!” Leopold cut him off. “That’s Vivienne’s cash cow. You might as well fire me. Vivienne’s in it for the money. If I cross her by messing with her income, I’m as good as dead.”

Trying to maintain his composure, Micah spoke softly, “You’re just the messenger. Whether Griffin agrees or not is up to her. The higher-ups can’t locate her, so they can’t reach out directly.”

“But still, no can do, boss. I’m begging you, don’t make me be the one to tell her. I’d walk through fire or climb a mountain for you, but crossing Vivienne? No way. Please, have a heart!” Leopold pleaded, his hands clasped together in earnest supplication.

Micah was at a loss for words at the pitiful sight. He waved his hand dismissively. “Get out of my sight.”

“Sure thing!” Leopold’s face lit up with relief. He backed out of the office with a wide grin, even thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

But the smile vanished without a trace no sooner had he stepped outside.

Leopold cast a long look at the plaque on Micah’s office door that read ‘Deputy Director.’ His expression grew even more somber.

Pulling out a phone he exclusively used to contact other disciples, he sent a message to Vivienne that read, [Griffin, Belle.]

Meanwhile, Vivienne was savoring a roasted pork knuckle when her smartwatch buzzed with the incoming message. A sly smile crossed her lips.

As expected, their interest was not just in Belle.

Back in the office, Micah took out a brand-new phone and made a call.

“Yeah, no news yet. Alright, got it.”

heavy sigh escaped him, his eyes clouded with an

…

At the Ellington Mansion.

was shaken when he heard about Kenneth’s car

allowed to

an accident. And it wasn’t me who

“That doesn’t matter.”

at Uncle Flynn,” Kenneth appealed to his

her tablet and sketching dress designs, Imogen shot Flynn an admonishing look. “Flynn, Kenneth’s an adult. And the DMV said it was the motorcycle gang’s fault for breaking the rules first. Besides,

Flynn!” Kenneth mimicked

me again,

drive. Go talk

pocketed his keys, thinking about the inconvenience of having a chauffeur during his trips to Elite

Kenneth’s retreating figure, Flynn shook his head, “This kid, nothing like Percival

Imogen pinched Flynn’s nose playfully, tapping his cheek. “And

her hand, squeezing her palm

Flynn’s embrace,

walked in on this intimate scene and

“Are we

silly.” Flynn’s face flushed as he rose to greet Percival, “Your Aunt Imogen has something to discuss with

naturally sat beside Imogen, focusing

Ellington Group owned a high-end fashion

had recently returned to oversee this division, and Imogen was poised to lend

intended for the

good. The designs are simple, but the choice of fabric will be crucial.” Vivienne observed, nodding

contract, she asked, “Vivienne, I’m not too familiar with local celebrities

no star-chaser; she was just the

specifics you’re looking for?” Vivienne inquired.Books Chapters Are

replied, “They need to be well-known. The two should have contrasting styles but also a certain chemistry. Ideally, they should have modeling experience to showcase the