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.”

the memory of that pink-hued night. She put on her sunglasses.

on then, ditch your uncle for your beau,” Maddox waved her

Yet, he remained seated.

smiled and stood

woman crossed her

perfume she had once crafted. After its launch,

at Vivienne but quickly averted

“Maddox, I knew it was you! Saw you from outside. What brings you

around. Who am I supposed

café, Vivienne had already

one of the

at the departing Vivienne. “Maddox, was

were water

with hurt. “Maddox, I just wanted to help out. Why push me away? I just wanted to get to know Vivienne; after all,

to be disturbed. You’re better off staying at home or shopping the beauty

company?” Diana stood up and stopped Maddox. “I’m old enough, and even Dad

dark shades, his gaze 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 need to enter

not what I

cut her off sharply, his voice cold. “Then why were you snooping around for the contents of

I’ll let it slide

the café, her eyes filling with resentment. In the Perez family, only she and

while she was practically invisible, never even

even the child

Why, oh why!

Maddox liked

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

her way to prepare the finest

it with more care than her

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

she knew that Vivienne was the daughter of Sasha, who had been missing from the Perez family for

for thirty years, why did she

Perez family was even more precarious.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay