The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Diana was drenched in cold sweat, barely able to stand on her own. She clung to Zelda, who supported her as they made their way out of the place.

Her mind was a mess.

What was she to do?

If Flynn, that lunatic, ever spilled the beans to the Perez family in one of his good moods, she would be left with nothing!

Yes, she had to seek out F-Poison. That woman surely had a way to help her!

The members of the Perez family piled into their cars. Jasper, worn out, decided to leave early with Diana and Zelda while Yuri took the wheel.

Vivienne naturally ended up riding with Maddox.

Maddox slammed his fist against the steering wheel in frustration. “Damn it, I really want to knock some sense into that nutjob. What’s he doing, spouting nonsense in front of the old man?”

Vivienne was not as upset.

She had thought Flynn was untouchable, but now it seemed he had a weak spot after all – Willa.

She could not understand it, though. Flynn did not even care about his father, so why would he care about his mentor’s daughter?

Could there still be something they did not know about Willa?

Willa had grown up with the Perez family. What kind of secret could she possibly have? Plus, her personality was almost the complete opposite of her parents.

And why was Flynn so desperate to see Willa?

After returning from the visit to the prison, Diana claimed she was too tired and went straight to her room to rest, locking the door behind her.

Jasper was still worried. “Zelda, is Diana all right?”

Zelda shook her head. “She’s just a bit shaken up, Dad. Don’t worry, I’ve saved her some dinner. Let’s let her rest for now.”

“That’s best. Thanks for your help.”

Zelda offered a faint smile, her gaze towards Diana’s room dark and unreadable.

She was not particularly close to Diana but knew that Diana was not the type to scare easily. It was just a few words; how could they have shaken her up so badly?

night, Diana slipped out through the back window. Being an adopted daughter of the Perez

most of the Perez family had already retired for the night and paid no attention to her,

residence, and Diana had to follow the GPS to

hell is going on with Flynn? Isn’t he the former F-Poison’s apprentice? Why does he know about Sasha being kidnapped? You better start talking and tell me what’s happening!” Diana demanded

a peaceful painting session and set down her

Flynn

in her haste. “Yes, I have. Now tell me what

at her toppled brushes, her

did what you asked and met with Flynn. You never mentioned he knew

finish, F-Poison grabbed her

Up.”

and F-Poison released

gathered the brushes and stepped back. “Can we

of her lips, holding a glass of red wine as she lounged

took a moment to compose herself before sitting

sipped her wine and asked, “Ms. Perez, what exactly

words, not expecting F-Poison

hunch was right, Ms. Perez. I

surprise. “What are

gleamed. “I’m saying I can help you take care of Vivienne. You don’t want your father to find out

to this all of a sudden? Are you saying that as long as Flynn is alive, you can help

nodded. “Exactly. And your father probably already suspects that Vivienne is his biological granddaughter. If we don’t act now, it’ll be

be? Didn’t you alter the paternity test for me?” Diana

naive. He has his ways. Besides, there’s always a difference between biological and adopted children. They share a connection. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so

struck a chord with Diana. “How will you help

packet of powder from a drawer. “Just make Vivienne ingest this, and she’s as good as

scoffed. “Don’t forget, Vivienne is the Specter Healer, capable of mending the dying and the dead. Do you really think

powder is undetectable, even to

that

as sure as I am that Flynn will never reveal the true story behind Sasha’s

her true intentions. But having already chosen to dance with the devil, she

Vivienne could be eliminated, everything else was

the powder

in hand, turned to gaze at her unfinished painting, contemplating her

had passed, and honestly, she could barely remember her own

stood up and strode over to the painting, her movements as fluid as the wine from her glass that she splashed across the canvas in a fit