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 neither Leopold nor Percival

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

“Maybe?”

everything seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep

pulled up to Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed

Percival exchanged a surprised glance, neither

“Uncle, what

“Get in. We need to

drove off after watching Vivienne join

to a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood,

are we?” Vivienne

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

a while, with furniture

fridge. Maybe

What did you need to see

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

I know.

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

lifted.

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

nodded, her expression

altered long ago, and only one person could match her DNA—Scott

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

Vivienne, I don’t accept this result. I’ve got people investigating the testing center and the doctor involved. There’s something wrong here,”

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

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

kinship, a steadfastness she seldom experienced. She was touched by how firmly Maddox believed she was one of the

“Thank you.”

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

no need, Uncle.

perplexed. How could