The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After breakfast, Vivienne hopped on her motorcycle and set out to the Boyd Mansion alone.

At the Boyd Mansion.

Wendy was, indeed, bedridden, completely unable to rise from her plush mattress that morning. It was during the previous day’s ceremony that she had twisted her back, and a careless turn in her sleep had nearly snapped her fragile bones in two. Now, she lay there, immobile and in pain.

Eliza was beside herself with worry. “Mom, do you really want Vivienne to care for you? It’s like throwing yourself to the wolves!”

Wendy gestured weakly towards the corner of the room. “Take a closer look. What do you see?”

Eliza’s eyes followed her mother’s direction, and she gasped in understanding.

A hidden camera was tucked away in the corner, cleverly disguised to blend in with the ornate plasterwork. To the untrained eye, it was virtually undetectable.

Someone like Vivienne, unfamiliar with the intricate workings of the Boyd household, would never notice its presence.

If Vivienne behaved and took care of Wendy, everything would be fine. After all, Wendy only wanted to trap her here so she could not cause a scene at the restaurant. However, If Vivienne attempted to abuse Wendy, she would pay a heavy price.

It did not matter that Vivienne was Master Charles, perfumer Q, or Master Jessica. Her reputation would be utterly ruined!

Eliza relaxed a bit. “Okay, Mom. Take care of yourself. We’re off to the office.”

“Alright, dear.”

Before long, Vivienne arrived at the Boyd mansion. Aside from the butler and a handful of servants, the only other person present was Wendy, lying helplessly in her bed.

Dressed in her leather riding gear, Vivienne walked in, and Wendy glanced at her with a sneer. “Forgive me, Madam. I can’t get up to greet you.”

Ignoring Wendy’s sarcasm, Vivienne sat beside the bed. “I heard about your injury. I’m quite concerned. Feeling any better?”

Wendy’s brow furrowed at the sight of Vivienne’s insincere smile. “If you cared at all, you wouldn’t have treated me that way last night. As my granddaughter-in-law, you show no initiative. Don’t you know I haven’t had my breakfast yet?”

epiphany. “Right,

headed to the kitchen and began to prepare a simple

was baffled by

in her homemade meal. “Here, let me

Wendy sit up, her fingers

against the headboard, Wendy asked, “Did

Wendy’s mouth,

The yolk was raw, and there were

trying to do her

Wendy knocked over the bowl and swung at Vivienne, grabbing a nearby cane to strike. “You

who had suddenly stood up. “Your back,

when Wendy realized that her pain was magically gone, and she had unconsciously

if you’re better, I’ll be

meaningful glance at the corner

not let Vivienne go just yet, she stepped

it would seem as if Vivienne

took its toll on Wendy’s frail back, instantly

You serpent!” Wendy shrieked as the butler rushed to her aid, chastising Vivienne. “Madam, how could you? Even as

leaned against the door frame, watching

had really outdone herself,

would have healed her waist. Now, she would

How can you do this to me? You’ll get what’s coming to you!” Wendy declared from her wheelchair, realizing she could not move. The fall was deliberate, and

an ambulance and