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?

a matter of the mission, and neither Leopold nor

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

“Maybe?”

everything seemed to revolve around this ancient warrior lineage. Just how deep did the waters of this enigmatic, vast

place, headlights flashed from the opposite direction—a car

surprised glance, neither expecting

car, “Uncle, what

opened the door. “Get

seriousness, drove off after watching

to a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a

where are we?”

let it

clearly had been vacant for a while, with furniture

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

up, Uncle? What did you need

of

“Yes, I know. There was no genetic

that test. Someone tampered with it, but I haven’t found

eyes lifted. “And

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

nodded, her

had been altered long ago, and only one person could

if she were Jasper’s flesh and blood, they

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

Vivienne asked, “Why are you so

her with unwavering certainty. “I believe

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

“Thank you.”

thick and thin, the bond’s unbreakable, akin

need, Uncle. The truth

How could it be