The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival waved his hand, summoning the servants who were hesitating in the shadows. They dared not approach, but fear of Percival made them comply.

“Get in there and separate the men from the women,” Percival instructed, spinning Vivienne around so she would not peek.

The servants hesitated, their hearts pounding with trepidation. They had no clue what was happening inside, but the mere thought of the wolves prowling the estate was enough to chill their bones.

Percival cast a nonchalant glance at them. “The wolves won’t bite you.”

Despite his assurance, the servants remained rooted to the spot in fear.

Raising an eyebrow, Percival’s tone remained casual yet firm, “Not going?”

His words were light, but the servants felt a shiver run down their spines—not so much from Percival himself, but from the drooling wolves eyeing them from behind.

Frightened, they scurried off to the main hall.

The sight that greeted them was astonishing—everyone stark naked!

And it seemed the wolves really had not bitten anyone!

The servants approached, whispering to the confused butler, “Sir, Madam ordered us to separate the men and women.”

Snapping back to reality, the butler quickly commanded, “Do it then!”

He realized the wolves were not attacking anyone. They must belong to Percival and Vivienne, who had some mysterious control over them.

Though ignorant of their motives, the butler was concerned about the family’s dignity. If word got out that the Boyds were caught in such a scandalous state, it would be a disaster not just for the family’s reputation but for his position as well.

With the butler’s word, the servants hurriedly escorted the women upstairs.

The Boyds, still in shock, followed without protest.

the now male-only main hall. Percival’s face turned green at the sight.

little lady seemed a bit too interested in

He needed advice—and fast!

intent to cover her eyes, Vivienne spoke lazily, “Mr. Wolf, don’t bother. There’s

shaking her head in mock

his temples, felt

was still

them. Her captivating gaze scanned the room before

What have the Boyds ever done

still too shaken to think

no doubts—she and Percival were behind

Mara, and Margot joined Teresa in

thing, you’re part of Percival’s family, his fiancée no less! Aren’t you

vile as you

there, silently enduring

they exhausted themselves, Vivienne smirked. Ignoring them, she approached Wendy and skillfully inserted a silver needle,

at Vivienne the moment she saw her. “You scoundrel! You dare set wolves

consumed by the humiliation of being stripped

not reach Vivienne, who caught her hand and snapped it with

Wendy screamed in agony.

poorly used. Since you can’t

disbelieving that Vivienne would go that far in a

there’s a lot I dare to do. Like—burying someone alive? Poisoning? Maiming? Throwing someone to the dogs? Or maybe the

beautiful, “Chopping off a hand is the least of my daring

was smiling, a coldness seemed to emanate from her, heavier than the chill

Vivienne would actually do it, but that evil

can’t! I’m Percival’s grandmother! When you marry him, you’ll have to call

she wanted now was to save her

acknowledge me as your granddaughter-in-law?

Wendy was speechless.