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?

matter of the mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would discuss it

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

“Maybe?”

peered out the window. The recent events were complex, but undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around this

flashed from

exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting

the car, “Uncle, what

“Get in.

off after watching Vivienne

them to a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a bit

where are we?” Vivienne

never wanted to live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I

had been vacant for a while, with

home. The place gets cleaned occasionally, but there’s nothing in the fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought a case

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

before speaking, “Vivienne, you’re aware of

I know. There was no genetic

was a problem with that test. Someone tampered with it, but I

eyes lifted. “And

Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.” Maddox’s

her

altered long ago, and only one

Jasper’s flesh and blood,

I’ve got people investigating the testing center and the doctor involved. There’s something wrong

asked, “Why are you so convinced the test result

looked at her with unwavering certainty. “I believe you are

a steadfastness she seldom experienced. She was touched by how firmly Maddox believed she was

“Thank you.”

the saying, ‘Uncles and aunties, through thick and thin, the bond’s unbreakable, akin to lin’? So, Vivienne, I’ve decided we’ll go

no need, Uncle. The truth is already

was perplexed. How could it be out