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.

and the others narrowed their eyes. Vivienne indeed knew

up. Not until they figured out what Vivienne was really up to. After witnessing last night’s spectacle, they feared she might have

water for the old

was taken aback,

standing must serve water to the head of the

cursed inwardly; Vivienne had laid

don’t push your luck!” Wendy scolded

the head of the family by their first name,

another shiver through

she couldn’t afford to disregard

as the butler brought Wendy a cup of water, “Madam, you better

new head – it was not worth

Wendy held the cup, her hands shaking slightly. She had to bide her time; once

to Percival. “I have

frowned at his grandmother. “Grandma, when presenting water to the head, one must bow respectfully. You’re

“You…”

the man I admire,” Vivienne teased, flicking Percival’s

be, “Smile for me,

hand, bringing her fingertips to his lips for a

affection made the elders avert their eyes

insult to the family’s

but to comply, bending her weary back. “Percival! Put that down.

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

Percival’s words,

was about to explode in anger

need to focus

nearly letting the couple’s

family’s daughter quite the distress today. You must make amends tomorrow; after all, they are our business partners. Even if

offer a sincere apology. Have you got