The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The air turned chilly instantly, and Melissa’s expression darkened as she shot her daughter a sharp look. “Ashley, what are you talking about?”

Ashley, one earbud dangling, gave Vivienne a defiant glance. “I’m gaming here, and besides, whatever I say shouldn’t bother you, right? You’re so generous, aren’t you?”

Vivienne’s eyes darkened. “I don’t waste my time arguing with idiots.”

“Who are you calling an idiot?” Ashley snapped, flinging her headphones aside as she glared at Vivienne.

Percival stepped in front of Vivienne, his gaze heavy upon Ashley. “Whoever takes offense is who Vivienne calls an idiot. Got a problem with that, Ms. Ashley?”

Still somewhat resentful towards Percival, Ashley pursed her lips and sat down with a cold huff.

Melissa rushed to soothe Vivienne. “Don’t mind her, Vivienne. I’ve spoiled Ashley rotten.”

Vivienne shook her head. For Melissa’s sake, she could endure a little.

Percival handed out gifts to everyone, and when he reached Carl, the man shouted in surprise. “Is this the latest racing helmet? I’ve been on the waiting list for six months, and still nothing, and you just snagged two!”

While not overly expensive, it was the perfect gift for a professional racer.

“If you like it, that’s what matters,” Percival said with a smile, sitting beside Vivienne.

Vivienne then pulled out a set of jewelry for Melissa, a final masterpiece by the acclaimed designer Master Jessica, priceless and unobtainable.

Melissa gasped, “Vivienne, this is far too precious. I can’t accept it!”

Vivienne’s identity as Master Jessica was not widely known yet, so Melissa did not grasp the significance of the gift. However, she was aware of the buzz Master Jessica’s final creation had made online.

having

to accept it, knowing Vivienne’s earnings did

she suggested to Vivienne, “Such a fine piece should be a gift for Mrs. Ellington, Percival’s mother. She’d

relationship with Percival’s mother, but it really was not

a waste. It’s for

That’s like a slap in her face. Besides, did she take less from us, the Brooks family? Remember the set

not help but add sarcastically, still envious of the bracelets

not avoid Vivienne’s eventual betrayal of her

frosty again until Kala could no longer hold back. “Ashley, if you

calm his sister.

heartbeat. Don’t ask for

even more bitter. She lashed out, pushing him away. “You two are like weeds swaying with the wind, siding with whoever treats you well.

of her past statements, could not deny

was even more silent. Indeed, he had muttered a slight complaint, but he truly harbored no

no one responding, continued. “Now that she’s helped you, you’re all grateful. Well, I’ll never forgive Vivienne. Because of her, the

to the floor and tossed

child? Don’t be angry, Vivienne.

“Yes, Vivienne, please don’t be offended.

Vivienne could respond, shouts erupted from

blind? You nearly killed me!” The owner of this

out to see what had happened to Ashley, with Vivienne andBooks Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books

Percival following behind.

the

the hall, Ashley was holding her head

were Charlotte