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.

it,” Vivienne insisted, having plucked

the jewelry lovingly, reluctant to accept it, knowing Vivienne’s earnings did not

“Such a fine piece should be a gift for Mrs.

Melissa was hinting at improving her relationship with Percival’s mother, but it really was

not a waste. It’s for

come on, Mom. Vivienne’s giving you a gift, and you’re refusing? That’s like a slap in her face. Besides, did she take less from us, the Brooks family? Remember the set

could not help but add sarcastically, still envious of

those valuable bracelets could not avoid

turned frosty again until Kala could no longer hold back. “Ashley, if you can’t stand being here, just leave. No one wants you

tried to calm his

cripple you in a heartbeat.

out, pushing him away. “You two are like weeds swaying with the wind, siding with whoever treats you well. Who was it just a

of her past statements, could not

he had muttered a slight complaint, but he truly harbored no real

continued. “Now that she’s helped you, you’re all grateful. Well, I’ll never forgive

the floor

scolded, “What’s gotten into that child? Don’t be angry, Vivienne. She’s just

Vivienne, please don’t be offended. I’ll deal

Vivienne could respond, shouts erupted

You nearly killed me!” The owner

with Vivienne andBooks Chapters Are Daily Updated Join

Percival following behind.

you’re the one who’s

the hall, Ashley was holding her head and

were Charlotte and