The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

A week later, at the celebration gala of Betrothed Understud’s billion-dollar achievement.

Vivienne, the invisible power behind Rainbow Entertainment, chose to attend the party from the shadows, in keeping with her elusive persona.

However, generous as ever, she gifted a whopping 30 million dollars as a bonus for the film’s smashing success.

“Boss, we’re talking a billion-dollar hit here! As the lead investor, Rainbow Entertainment is swimming in dough, and you only give out 30 million?” Darren quipped, balancing a parrot on his shoulder, always quick with a joke.

Vivienne had not seen this goofy bird in ages and actually missed it a bit. She reached out to pet it.

But the parrot, now plump and haughty from Darren’s care, dodged her hand.

Raising an eyebrow, Vivienne retorted, “That 30 million is coming out of your bonus, Darren. Looks like your feathered friend there is going on a diet!”

The parrot squawked in protest. “Brat! Brat!”

That was the parrot’s usual cry upon seeing Vivienne. Whenever it saw Finnian, it would call out, “Old Geezer!”

The parrot had a unique nickname for each disciple, earning it more than a few feather-plucking sessions at the hands of Leopold and the others.

Vivienne tapped the parrot’s head. “Pretending you don’t see me? You’re asking for trouble.”

“Boss, it’s not my fault it’s misbehaving; you can’t dock that from my bonus! I’ve promised my mom I’d cut her off from my expenses. If I lose that bonus, I’ll starve!” Darren pleaded.

Vivienne, pretending not to hear, ignored him completely.

That would teach him to be cheeky.

“Stirring up trouble with the boss again?” Kala sauntered over in a matching outfit with Stephen, the on-screen couple from the film.

The party was being streamed live, and the fans, especially those shipping the lead pair, would not miss it for the world.

Darren often said, Kala and Stephen never missed a chance to fuel their

me out, Kala. I can’t afford to lose that bonus!” Darren passed the parrot to her. “If you speak

rolled her eyes. “Keep your dumb bird, and try

lack of creativity with names: the parrot was “Birdie,” his sheepdog

simply cupped his ears, “Sorry, bro. When it comes to the boss, my hands

did not bother with the drama

studio’s got a few scripts for me to consider. I want to pick carefully. The fame from this last project was hard-won, and once we wrap up, Stephen and my on-screen romance will end. So, I’m thinking my next role should be a solo

careers—as long as they made money, that

Vivienne was unabashedly money-minded.

you have my blessing,” Vivienne said, blinking away any

a gasp rippled through the

He just gifted

her expression

it seemed like taking wool from the sheep’s back. She would need to school him on

greet him when Darren’s parrot burst into a frenzied chant, “Old

was reserved for Finnian, whom the parrot would recognize by scent, no matter the

parrot

she called to Percival, “Catch

but obedient,

parrot kept up its chant, driving Darren to muffle its beak. “Shut it, you dumb bird! There is no old geezer here, just young men and

and soon, Percival dragged back a man, but he turned out to just be a crew

all the crew members wearing the