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?

the mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would discuss it

position, musing, “Vance sending Leopold to assist

“Maybe?”

events were complex, but undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around this ancient

headlights flashed from the opposite direction—a car she recognized as

exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting Maddox to show

approached the car, “Uncle, what brings

opened the door. “Get in.

drove off after watching

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

where are

bit lost finding it. Dad never wanted to live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I remember the house number and the code,” Maddox said as he unlocked

for a while, with furniture covered in

fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought a case of Coke,”

What did

“Vivienne, you’re aware of the paternity test you took with Grandpa,

I know.

with it, but I haven’t found evidence yet. So today, your Uncle Yuri took another sample for

eyes lifted. “And the

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

her

altered long ago, and only one person could match her

flesh and blood, they could

this result. I’ve got people investigating the testing center and the doctor involved. There’s something wrong here,” Maddox

Vivienne asked, “Why are you so convinced the test result is

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

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

“Thank you.”

“What’s there to thank? Ever heard the saying, ‘Uncles and aunties, through thick and thin, the bond’s unbreakable, akin to lin’? So, Vivienne, I’ve decided we’ll go get tested in another city. I refuse to believe

no need, Uncle. The truth is already

How could it be