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 would

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

“Maybe?”

window. The recent events were complex, but undeniably, everything seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep did the waters of this

to Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed from

glance,

the car, “Uncle, what

opened the door. “Get

the seriousness, drove off

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

where are we?” Vivienne

a 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

vacant for a while, with

nothing in the fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought

up, Uncle? What did you need to see me

before speaking, “Vivienne, you’re aware of the

said, “Yes, I know. There was no

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

eyes lifted. “And the

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

her

genes had been altered long ago, and only

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

I don’t accept this result. I’ve got people investigating the testing center and

are you so convinced the test result

unwavering certainty. “I believe

She was touched by how firmly

“Thank you.”

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

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

was perplexed. How could it