The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the dimly lit grand hall, a woman in a strapless white gown slowly rose from her seat. With her head half-bowed, she took deliberate steps toward the stage where a single spotlight shone, leaving the rest of the space shrouded in semi-darkness.

The guests could hardly make out the identity of the woman ascending the stage. Clad in the white gown, they mistook her for Gillian.

The Boyd family and Patrick sighed in relief, thinking Gillian was adding a dramatic flair to her entrance.

Only when the lights softly illuminated her like a thin veil could the crowd finally see her face clearly.

It was Vivienne!

The unexpected twist nearly sent Wendy tumbling out of her wheelchair.

What was happening?

Had they not stationed someone at the door to keep Vivienne out? How did she get in?

On stage, Percival took out a necklace he had purchased just that afternoon and placed it around Vivienne’s neck.

As soon as the necklace settled, Vivienne’s gown transformed like fireworks, shifting its style entirely in the blink of an eye. The pure white turned into a green reminiscent of rainforest.

The emerald dress made Vivienne look even more dignified and radiant, her usual delicate appearance now infused with a hint of resolve. Yet, in the face of Percival, her tenderness remained undiminished.

To the audience’s amazement, the massive screen on stage now displayed a slideshow of Percival and Vivienne’s photos—candid moments captured by Zelda and shared with Vivienne, each displaying their flawless visages.

Holding the microphone with one hand and cradling Vivienne’s face with the other, Percival asked with an uncharacteristically gentle voice, “Vivienne, will you marry me?”

Vivienne returned his gaze with equal intensity, her lips curving into a smile as she answered, “Yes.”

It was undoubtedly a more joyful engagement party than the last one, and they had Wendy to thank for her unintentional sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Wendy was seething on stage, pushing Theodore and Hayden forward. “What are you waiting for? Go find Gillian. Where on earth is she?”

At her command, Patrick refrained from questioning; he was too preoccupied. Because Vivienne bore an uncanny resemblance to his boss.

on the door and screaming for help,

anyone there? We’re stuck. The door won’t open—help

their entrance when they discovered

key into the trash, content

to locate a spare key, only to

the lights fully bright, Vivienne and Percival stood hand in hand

for joining Vivienne and me on

eye, Wendy proclaimed, “The Boyd family

she spoke, the big screen lit up and sent

The footage was scandalous!

in the audience looked on with

a high-society lady,

accept this behavior, let

be seen playing such a game

had tried to humiliate the Boyds and the Ashfords

to watch the screen

time,” Vivienne murmured, her voice

looked at

of the compromising photos she had prepared, it was Gillian playing a game of

Wendy and said, “The Boyd family sure knows how

escaped the makeup room, tripped over her gown and fell

her feet, only to see the video

her private video from

did it end up

been the epitome of grace and beauty in high society, a model of propriety who had never openly

was shocked to discover Gillian’s secret

“Miss Ashford, your boyfriends seem to be waiting for

enough, the men from the video were among the

are these men in

yesterday night, you were sweet-talking me on the phone, accepting my gifts, promising me a

hay early last night? What’s