The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Dracon hesitated, the words on the tip of his tongue dying before they could be born. He had no choice but to heed Yorick’s command.

Diana didn’t even offer a word of concern before Dracon led her out.

Yorick glanced at Percival, then at Vivienne by his side, his gaze softening with a touch of tenderness. “My dear, how old are you now?”

“Twenty,” Vivienne replied.

Her twentieth birthday had passed, but she had never been one to celebrate. Birthdays always reminded her of her mother.

Thus, when Mr. Wolf suggested throwing her a birthday bash, she declined.

But she decided future birthdays could be celebrated.

The thought of all the years gone by without her mother’s homemade strawberry cheesecake made her blood boil! All because Karen faked her death! From now on, she swore to indulge in strawberry cheesecake on her birthdays until she couldn’t take another bite!

Despite her disdain for Dracon, she held a fondness for Yorick.

She felt an indescribable familiarity in Yorick, just like the first time she met Jasper.

Yorick clicked his tongue. “Putting up with this sourpuss for a boyfriend must be tough on you.”

Vivienne chuckled. “It’s not so bad; Mr. Wolf treats me well.”

“A face like a block of ice, and you say he treats you well? Child, if that boy ever gives you trouble, you come straight to me. I’ll make sure he regrets it,” Yorick said with a deepening smile, his eyes shining with affection for Vivienne.

Percival could only sigh to himself.

No matter the company, when Vivienne was around, he might as well have been invisible.

Well, he mused, who could blame him for being willingly outshone by her?

“Thank you, Mr. Yorick. But Mr. Wolf wouldn’t dare. He knows he can’t outmatch me,” Vivienne said, not realizing she was becoming more talkative in Yorick’s company.

a bit more chatter, Yorick finally

the next time I saw

title of Director reflected Yorick’s high hopes

he saw him as his

his head slightly. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr.

folks have your own paths, and I understand that.

offered a faint smile

many of the new faces, so I can’t offer much help. But

“Seems Vivienne holds more sway than

unlike you,” Yorick replied, giving Vivienne another meaningful

have met my mother; she was a member of the special squad known as Lark. As for

straightened up, surprised, “You’re Lark’s daughter?

Vivienne knew then that the Linklater that Karen had mentioned must be

always thought you looked familiar. I once hoped to have her join our family. To think she

Yorick’s envy

her father was, let alone her grandfather, so she

more small talk, Vivienne broached the subject she had on her mind. “Mr. Yorick,

no Vesper in

you, Mr. Yorick. I got it.”

more time with Yorick, Vivienne

parting, Vivienne checked Yorick’s pulse and noticed a

not because the mole was extraordinary, but because she had a similar

had left, Dracon returned

while Diana seemed more enthusiastic, greeting

worry; this old body of mine has a few good years left to play

were

Diana quickly bid her

was gone,

for so long. Why did you

should keep your distance from Diana. That girl… she’s a wild card,”

at his father’s advice but knew

heels for his daughter Diana. You guys need to stop looking at her through those judgmental glasses just because she’s adopted,”