The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The living room was packed, with no space left on the couch for Vivienne and Percival.

Of course, nobody seemed inclined to make room.

Vivienne scanned the room and, without a second thought, grabbed the butler, “Seems like you’ve already forgotten yesterday’s lesson, haven’t you?”

The butler shuddered involuntarily, the memories of last night’s ordeal etched deep in his mind, a painful experience he would never forget.

His eyes darted to Wendy, who was currently perched in the patriarch’s seat of the Boyd household.

Clearing her throat, Wendy rose with Eliza’s assistance. “Vivienne, have you come as the head of the Boyd family or as Percival’s fiancée?”

Vivienne’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Is there a difference?”

“Of course, there is. If you come as the head of the Boyd family, you may take this seat and listen to our discussions about today’s affairs. But you shall not interject. Even as the head, you have no authority over Boyd Group’s matters, as I own it. Henceforth, you mustn’t claim the fiancée status; it’s against Boyd family tradition.”

Vivienne nodded in understanding. “And if I come as Percival’s fiancée?”

Wendy snorted with a smirk. “If you come as Percival’s fiancée, then you stand there, serve tea, and listen quietly while we reprimand you. Everyone here is your elder; you must not be presumptuous!”

Without hesitation, Vivienne took her seat at the head of the table, crossed her legs, and gave Wendy a sidelong glance. “Well, it just so happens that I intend to be both the head of the Boyd family and Percival’s fiancée.”

Wendy huffed. “Don’t be too greedy, girl. I don’t acknowledge your engagement to Percival. But since you claim to be the head, I’ll give you that much respect. If you want this position, remove yourself from Percival’s life.”

Percival’s eyes narrowed with a chilling aura. He was about to speak when Vivienne cut in, “My mother and Richard arranged my engagement to Percival. What right do you have to dispute it?”

“You!” Wendy was infuriated, yet she found no words to retort.

Indeed, what right did she have to deny their engagement?

But what gave Vivienne the right to act so brazenly in the Boyd Mansion?

Vivienne glanced around the room and spoke calmly, “I’ve picked up a few dirty tricks over the years. It’s one thing to target me, but should anyone lay a finger on my dear Mr. Wolf…”

Her glittering smile sent chills down their spines.

others narrowed their eyes. Vivienne indeed knew

Vivienne was really up to. After witnessing last night’s spectacle, they feared she might have something up

said, “Fetch a cup of water for the

taken

eyebrow. “The person standing must serve water to the head

Vivienne had

push your luck!”

lazy confidence, “Addressing the head of the family by their

sent another

she couldn’t afford to disregard the head

brought Wendy a cup of

antagonize the new head – it was not worth losing limbs

her hands shaking slightly. She had to bide her time;

to Percival. “I have important matters to discuss with

water to the head, one must bow respectfully.

“You…”

Wolf is correct, as expected from the man I

be, “Smile for me,

hand, bringing her fingertips to his lips for

public display of affection made the elders avert their eyes

behavior was an insult

to comply, bending her weary back. “Percival! Put that down. This is no place for

further. “Discussing love with my fiancée is my right. Do

her outrage. Percival’s words, influenced

was about to explode in anger when

we need to focus on what’s

nearly letting the couple’s antics distract her

“You’ve caused the Ashford family’s daughter quite the distress today. You must make amends tomorrow; after all, they are our

arranged for you to dine at Gillian’s favorite restaurant tomorrow. Just go, have a meal, and offer a sincere apology. Have you got that?”Books