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?

was a matter of the mission, and

to a more comfortable position, musing, “Vance sending Leopold to assist Griffin… Could it be related to the ancient warrior

“Maybe?”

seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep did the waters of this enigmatic,

Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed from the opposite

Percival exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting

the car, “Uncle, what brings

opened the door. “Get in. We need

the seriousness, drove off

a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a bit before

are we?” Vivienne

such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I remember the

for a while, with furniture covered

place gets cleaned occasionally, but there’s nothing in the fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought a case of Coke,” Maddox

was not bothered. “What’s up, Uncle? What did

in before speaking, “Vivienne, you’re aware of the paternity test you took

said, “Yes, I know. There was no genetic

together. “There was a problem with that test. Someone tampered with it, but I haven’t

lifted. “And the

we wouldn’t be here.” Maddox’s brows were

her

ago, and only one

she were Jasper’s flesh and blood, they could not detect

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

“Why are you so convinced the test result is

at her with unwavering certainty. “I believe you are my real niece, my

experienced. She was touched

“Thank you.”

bond’s unbreakable, akin to lin’? So, Vivienne, I’ve decided we’ll go get tested

smiled. “There’s no need, Uncle. The truth

perplexed. How could it be