The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

When Maddox spoke of Diana, the disdain in his eyes was impossible to miss.

Vivienne blinked in confusion. “Wasn’t she just six years old at the time? How could she possibly be involved in my mother’s disappearance?”

Yuri leaned back into the sofa, his eyebrows knit together in concern. “Don’t be fooled by her age. She’s cunning. Even as a child, she knew how to compete for Dad’s affection, particularly against Sasha. I’ve seen her glaring at Sasha with such spite. And on the day Sasha vanished, nobody else was at home, just Sasha and Diana. When we returned, Diana was asleep in the garden, clutching one of Sasha’s sneakers.

She claimed Sasha had given them to her, but Sasha was ten at the time. How could her shoes possibly fit Diana? I’ve always suspected Diana saw whoever took Sasha, but she denies it. And why would they abduct Sasha and leave Diana? They were both from the Perez family; taking just one doesn’t make sense.”

The more Maddox spoke, the tighter his fists clenched. “And then there’s Willa. She was practically adopted by our family, about the same age as your mom, and she was supposed to be your future auntie through marriage with me. Everything was fine until she suddenly discovered she was a child of F-Poison. Before she found out, I had no idea.

Diana and Willa were thick as thieves, and I’ve always suspected that Diana spilled the beans to Willa. But Willa never admitted it and insisted on running away from home. She never even agreed to date me.”

Vivienne pressed her lips.

Not yet agreed to date Maddox, and Willa was already the future auntie?

But Willa, a child of F-Poison?

“Uncle, I’ve met F-Poison. It was a woman, quite young, a few years junior to Mr. Wolf. How could she be Auntie Willa’s mother?” Vivienne asked, puzzled.

Maddox shook his head. “The F-Poison I’m talking about is a man. If he’s still alive, he’d be older than your grandfather. The person you’re talking about isn’t the same.”

“Could it be that the title of F-Poison has been passed down? The F-Poison I’ve encountered and the one involved in my mom’s abduction aren’t the same person?”

“It’s possible. RST itself has split into two factions, CK and GTO. We always thought F-Poison would remain with CK since it’s been underground for years. But it seems he can’t let go of his vile virus research.”

Surprise flickered in Vivienne’s eyes. No wonder Flynn Ellington managed to strike a deal with GTO; they were all in the same camp.

She had underestimated Flynn.

did the original F-Poison go? Does

with the

else, stubborn

freak; it’s just anyone

like she was on an emotional roller coaster. Taking a moment to compose herself, she asked,

he might know

coax even a few words of truth from him, the investigation into Diana might

arrange it, but be careful. I always feel that Flynn’s a bit twisted, unlike the other Ellingtons, who are just foolish and

careful, Uncle. And you should be, too. If Diana is indeed up to something, then she must have an accomplice, and it’s no small

the bomb on the Ashford

have a favor

just tell me what it is. If I can help, I will. If not, we’ll get Percival to do it. Don’t be so formal,” Vivienne said, half-jokingly feeling

at Vivienne. “Please, help me find your future auntie. I can’t

nearly choked on her bite

the things love does

her

alright, I’ll help. Just give me all the information about Auntie Willa, and I’ll see what

out there,

now somewhat intrigued by this woman who had captured the heart of

could make

would not be easy. Having grown up in the Perez family, she must have learned a trick

was going to have to wait a

night at the sprawling Perez Mansion, Diana slipped out quietly, fired up

her car in the upscale neighborhood of Rivenwood in front of a stately

turned off her headlights, and flicked on her flashlight, tapping on

Diana, open up,” she announced with a hint of

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