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.

Kala and Stephen never missed a chance to fuel their fans’ fantasies and

can’t afford to lose that bonus!” Darren passed the parrot to her. “If you speak up for me, Birdie’s

eyes. “Keep your dumb bird, and try picking a decent name

with names: the parrot was “Birdie,” his sheepdog “Pooch,” and his American Shorthair “Kitty.” He went straight to the essence

his ears, “Sorry, bro. When

the drama and instead

hard-won, and once we wrap up, Stephen and my on-screen romance will end.

her employees’ careers—as long as they made money, that was all that

Vivienne was unabashedly money-minded.

you have my blessing,” Vivienne said, blinking away any pretense of not

gasp rippled

He just gifted 50

over, her expression souring at Mr.

that donation would eventually land in her pocket, it seemed like taking wool from the sheep’s back. She would need to school him

to greet him when Darren’s parrot burst into a

parrot

to see everyone marveling at the parrot while one

and she called

but obedient, gave

Darren to muffle its beak. “Shut it, you dumb bird! There is no old geezer here, just young

parrot only squawked louder, and soon, Percival dragged back a man, but he turned out to

the crew members