The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne cradled her mug of steaming coffee, the vaporous tendrils partially veiling her eyes, adding a touch of mystery to her gaze.

Diana’s message to Vivienne was crystal clear: “Remember your place. You’re nothing more than an adopted granddaughter, not even by blood. Don’t get too comfortable thinking you’re one of us.”

She was staking her claim as the Perez family’s one and only darling daughter, warning Vivienne to stay in her lane.

How ironic. Who was really trying to prove they belong?

Vivienne chuckled. “I’ve never been one to hold back around Grandpa. You needn’t worry on my behalf.”

Diana let out a few forced laughs, sipping her coffee to mask her insecurity.

This Vivienne, she was certainly not one to mince words!

When Zelda and Percival arrived, the dinner table buzzed with their lively conversation. Diana, often finding herself on the periphery, could only offer a strained smile.

The meal passed with her in relative silence.

When it came time to settle the bill, Percival, the only gentleman present, had already discreetly taken care of it. It would not do to have the ladies pay.

Diana, pleased but pretending to chide, said, “I said this one was on me. Next time, you mustn’t sneak ahead of me.”

Zelda rolled her eyes in private disdain. She could not stand Diana’s pettiness.

A meal’s cost was hardly worth remembering, was it not?

With the evening advancing, Zelda and Diana bid farewell to Vivienne and Percival.

On the drive back, Percival mentioned, “Leopold’s headed to Sea City to take over for Thomas. He’s already on his way.”

Vivienne acknowledged with a nonchalant, “Expected.”

Percival, hands on the wheel, was still puzzling over Vance’s agenda. What was he really after?

of the mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would

to

“Maybe?”

but undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep did

pulled up to Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed from the opposite

glance, neither expecting Maddox to show up

car, “Uncle, what brings

door. “Get in. We

seriousness, drove off after watching

a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood,

where are we?” Vivienne

to live in such a place, so we let it go

for a while, with furniture covered in

but there’s nothing in the fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought a case of

“What’s up, Uncle? What did you need

aware of the paternity test you took with Grandpa,

then said, “Yes, I know. There was no

palms together. “There was a problem with that test. Someone tampered with it, but I haven’t found evidence yet. So today,

eyes lifted. “And the

wouldn’t be here.” Maddox’s brows were furrowed, clearly not convinced by the

nodded, her expression

ago, and only one person could match

she were Jasper’s flesh and blood,

result. I’ve got people investigating the testing center and

determination, Vivienne asked, “Why are you so convinced the test

“I believe you are my real niece, my sister’s

she seldom experienced. She was touched by how

“Thank you.”

unbreakable, akin to lin’? So, Vivienne, I’ve decided we’ll

“There’s no need, Uncle. The

How could