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?

of the mission, and neither Leopold

sending Leopold to assist Griffin… Could

“Maybe?”

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

headlights flashed from the opposite direction—a

a surprised glance, neither

car, “Uncle, what

opened the door. “Get

the seriousness, drove off after watching Vivienne

posh, unfamiliar villa neighborhood, searching for a bit before

are we?”

an old property I bought. Got a bit lost finding it. Dad never wanted to live in such a place, so we let it go to waste. Ah,

for a while, with

occasionally, but there’s nothing in the fridge. Maybe I should’ve brought a case of Coke,” Maddox sighed with disdain and

What did you

of the paternity test you

paused, then said, “Yes, I know. There was no genetic

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

lifted. “And the

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

her expression

altered long ago, and only one person could match

and blood, they could not detect

I’ve got people investigating the testing center

you so

believe you are

kinship, a steadfastness she seldom experienced. She was touched

“Thank you.”

thank? 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 it could be wrong

Uncle. The

was perplexed. How could it