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.

Gillian and Mara were pounding on the door and screaming for help,

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

they had been preparing to make their entrance when they discovered the

the trash, content

key, only to discover

Vivienne and Percival stood

me on our special day,” Percival

dark glint in her eye, Wendy proclaimed, “The Boyd family

the big screen lit up

The footage was scandalous!

audience

a high-society lady, this is

would not accept this behavior, let alone

seen playing such a game with so many

had tried to humiliate the Boyds and the

to watch the screen

is having quite the time,” Vivienne murmured, her voice amplified for all to

and looked

prepared, it was Gillian playing a game of passing paper slips with her mouth

ashen. He glared at Wendy and said, “The Boyd family

escaped the makeup room, tripped over

to her feet, only to see the video of her playing games with her

private

it end

in high

shocked to discover Gillian’s secret

said dryly, “Miss Ashford, your boyfriends seem

from the video were

are these men in the video, and who

on the phone, accepting my gifts, promising me a chance. Who

the hay early last night?