The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Willa’s brow was furrowed in frustration, her fists clenched tightly.

“So many hideouts, damn it!” She muttered under her breath.

The real thorn in her side was discovering that Diana had been secretly conspiring with F-Poison! That damned traitor!

Meanwhile, Quincy discreetly texted Vivienne for help, knowing full well she was no match for Willa. Her only hope was to bring in reinforcements without making a sound.

But before she could relish the thought of rescue, Willa’s hand clamped down on her shoulder.

“Hey, kiddo, when the grown-ups are talking, you listen, okay?” Willa said with a smile that was anything but comforting.

Quincy attempted to resist, but it was futile.

With ease, Willa confiscated Quincy’s phone, then tied her to a chair, topping her work with a peachy little heart drawn on her forehead.

“As much as I’d love to catch up with Vivienne, I can’t right now. Give it two hours after I leave, and she’ll come running to save you,” Willa said as she tapped on the phone before setting it down and making her exit.

Quincy could only watch helplessly as Willa disappeared. Glancing at the phone, she saw the message was indeed sent, but with a two-hour delay before reaching Vivienne.

Cruel fate, indeed!

…

At the Perez Mansion.

Diana had just reached the front gate when laughter echoed from within.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, aware that Jasper was probably still fuming over today’s fiasco.

But then, to her astonishment, she heard Vivienne’s voice. Why was she still here?

In the Perez’s backyard, Vivienne was surprised by a strawberry cheesecake decorated with the names of Natalia, Yasmine, and her own!

a bit embarrassed, looked at Vivienne. “I’m still perfecting my frosting

cheesecake. We wanted to know your birthday, but you said you don’t even know your birthday. So, we

truth was, Vivienne had her reasons for keeping

she refrained from sharing personal details. Now that

today wasn’t her actual birthday, her heart felt

of gorging on strawberry cheesecake until she could not take another bite,

cake obsession was just a passing fancy, never guessing it

strawberries and smeared icing, but to her, it was the most delicious, most perfect strawberry cheesecake she had ever

thank you,” was all she could muster, her voice choked

frosting on Vivienne’s nose.

cheered, “Yay,

to laughter

birthday, Vivienne,” he said softly, ruffling her

down to blow out the candles with Natalia

a look of profound peace and contentment that the Perez family had seldom

exchanged looks, each face illuminated by

extravagant gift present, but it was undoubtedly

at the gate, quietly observing the

a picture of harmony

Vivienne. She imagined tearing that smiling face to shreds, crushing it underfoot, and throwing

had once hurled a rock at Sasha, she now wished to

down hard on her anger, Diana’s loathing for

dead, so what was

to hell, all of you!” She

sensed the intense glare

course, it

at her with such malice was…

everyone followed Vivienne’s gaze to Diana at the door, their

want to speak with you in

her composure, Diana nodded silently.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated