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

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

flashed from the opposite direction—a car she

and Percival exchanged a surprised glance, neither expecting

approached the car, “Uncle, what brings

“Get in.

drove off after watching Vivienne

a posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a

where are we?” Vivienne

live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah, but I remember

for a while, with

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

bothered. “What’s up, Uncle? What did

you’re aware of

“Yes, I know. There was no

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

eyes lifted. “And

here.” Maddox’s brows were furrowed, clearly

nodded, her expression

and only one person could match her

Jasper’s flesh and blood,

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

Vivienne asked, “Why are you so

unwavering certainty. “I believe you are

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

“Thank you.”

to thank? Ever heard the saying, ‘Uncles and aunties, through thick and thin, the bond’s unbreakable, akin to lin’?

Uncle. The truth is already

was perplexed. How could it be out