The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox’s voice carried a hint of mockery.

It was no wonder he looked down on the Boyds; after all, what they coveted had always belonged to the Perez family. The Boyds had stolen the secrets years ago, yet they had made no progress. And now, they were still obsessively clinging to it.

Theft had apparently become their legacy.

Vivienne could understand, though. After all, heirlooms handed down through generations often became seen as rightful possessions by the descendants.

But why were the Boyds, with their advanced bionic tech and contracts in hand, still seeking collaboration with the Ashfords? Was it possible they could not even decipher the contract themselves?

“Uncle, who did the Boyds draft this contract with?” Vivienne inquired.

Maddox looked down, his brows knitting together. After a moment, he spoke gravely, “The Perez family actually initiated this contract. It includes all the technical concepts and outlines for bionic technology. When the Boyds stole it, the Perez family did not draft a new one or seek other partnerships. Instead, they decided to research on their own. However, to be precise, the project was shelved.”

Maddox did not specify the other party of the contract, but Vivienne understood.

Some ancient warrior lineages worked for the nation; this partner must be the government.

She did not press further, content with knowing the contract’s contents. The bionic tech from back then was no longer a secret; even as a child, Vivienne had been aware of it.

Her mother had shared the basics of bionic tech with her but had not divulged much, nor had she involved Vivienne in the work. The Ashfords were tasked with developing some of the more sensitive components.

After her mother’s death, Vivienne had stayed away from the world, sequestered in a spiritual retreat, never meddling with bionic tech again.

Now, Vivienne was sure that the Boyds’ intent in collaborating with the Ashfords was to reclaim their stolen technology.

“I’ve got it, Uncle. Thanks,” Vivienne said, tucking the notebook away.

Maddox let go of the severity that did not quite suit him and smiled. “Hungry? Let me treat you to something.”

Vivienne shook her head. “Nah, you should think about how to calm Grandpa down and get your credit cards back.”

“You little snitch, you ratted me out to your grandpa,” Maddox sighed, feigning betrayal. “All my kindness for naught.”

on her sunglasses.

Maddox waved her off, indicating she was free

Yet, he remained seated.

smiled and stood up to

poised woman crossed her path.

familiar fragrance – “Ephemeral,” a perfume she had once crafted. After

quickly averted her gaze without any sign of

the woman’s voice behind her. “Maddox, I knew it was you! Saw you from outside.

am I supposed to date?

café, Vivienne had already pieced

of the Perez family’s

sat opposite Maddox, glancing at the departing Vivienne. “Maddox, was that

water and said curtly,

just wanted to help out. Why push me

like to be disturbed. You’re better off staying at home or shopping the beauty salons.” Maddox put on his sunglasses

when can I join the company?” Diana stood up and stopped Maddox. “I’m old enough, and even Dad said I should

intense. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re thirty-five this year, right? It’s high time you found someone and settled down. That way, Dad can rest easy. You grew up in the Perez household; naturally, you’ll have your share. You don’t

not what

cut her off sharply, his voice cold. “Then why were

his patience. “Whatever your reasons, Diana, I’ll let it slide this time. But if there’s a next time, I

watched him exit the café, her

she was practically invisible, never

even the child of the

Why, oh why!

Maddox liked

there was Vivienne, who had not even set foot in the Perez household yet and was already the

went out of her way to prepare the finest room for

decorated it with more care than her

the paternity test! How did this happen?” Diana clenched her

that Vivienne was the daughter of Sasha, who had

why did she have to show

felt aggrieved. One Willa was torment enough; with a granddaughter returning, her position in the Perez family was