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?

mission, and neither Leopold nor Percival would discuss it

Leopold to assist Griffin… Could it be related to the

“Maybe?”

to revolve around this ancient warrior

pulled up to Vivienne’s place, headlights flashed from the opposite direction—a

surprised glance, neither expecting

the car, “Uncle,

door. “Get in. We need to

the seriousness, drove off after

them to a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching

are we?”

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

house clearly had been vacant for a

fridge. Maybe I should’ve

up, Uncle? What did you need to see

“Vivienne, you’re aware of the paternity test

then said, “Yes, I know. There

with that test. Someone tampered with it, but I haven’t found evidence yet. So today, your Uncle Yuri

lifted.

here.” Maddox’s brows

nodded, her expression

been altered long ago, and only one person could match

and blood, they could

got people investigating the testing center and the doctor involved. There’s something wrong here,”

“Why are you so convinced the test

certainty. “I believe you are my real niece, my sister’s

a rare surge of kinship, a steadfastness she seldom experienced. She was touched by how firmly

“Thank you.”

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

Uncle. The truth is

was perplexed. How could it