The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox furrowed his brow, “Did Vivienne really say that?”

Diana’s eyes flickered with hope, “Yeah, she said exactly that, Maddox. What do you think she’s trying to pull?”

She thought she had finally found a crack in Maddox’s armor, a chance to see him stop shielding Vivienne.

But Maddox just shrugged it off. “That kid, talking nonsense. She doesn’t need to replace you; you were never comparable to her in the first place.”

With that, Maddox shook his head and walked away, muttering about how Vivienne always overthinks things.

Diana felt like she had been struck by lightning. Her nails dug into her palms, but she could not feel the pain.

Maddox had said she was never comparable to Vivienne!

All things aside, she had been part of the Perez family for nearly three decades, ever since she was a baby.

And Vivienne was just an outsider whose place in the family had not even been confirmed.

How could Maddox say such a thing?

Diana was seething. She would see to it that Vivienne paid with her life, now, immediately, without delay!

After leaving the Perez Mansion, Vivienne received a call from Maddox, “Vivienne, I did what you told me to, but it’s kind of odd. Why provoke Diana like that? She’s not one to take things lightly; she must be fuming by now.”

Vivienne chuckled on the other end. “No worries, as long as it’s been said.”

Maddox did not press further. “Alright, mission accomplished. Watch your back, and if you need me, just holler.”

“Actually, there’s one thing,” Vivienne said playfully, “Tomorrow, could you take Grandpa and everyone out? Leave someone behind, an auntie or anyone apart from Diana.”

Maddox paused, “What for?”

“It’ll come in handy.”

“Okay, you call the shots.” Maddox laughed and hung up.

He never questioned Vivienne’s motives or tried to stop her. He just played along.

all, he was the best uncle in

stretched in the

at her with

yourself, I’ve missed

nearly slammed on the brakes hard enough to launch

was becoming

But he liked it.

out early, claiming they

so sleepy she refused

Maddox left with the

Zelda turned to head

could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed her,

face twisted into a sinister smile as she looked

be my shield for the day. If something fatal

unconscious Zelda and

bed, only to wake up and reach for

video popped up –

me go! If you dare hurt me, the Lynette and Perez families

slap cracked

husband either he pays up or get ready

a few crocodile tears, then called

can’t reach Dad or my brothers.

was heavy

confusion. “What’s that? Say

kidnappers want a ransom, but I can’t get hold of Dad or

said, hanging up and soon appearing at

the video of Zelda’s kidnapping and said, “I’ve got enough money, Vivienne. They can’t be reached. Let’s go pay the ransom. I’m afraid if we’re late, Zelda might be in real

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

rush to the car, a

Vivienne would come to Zelda’s rescue; after all, Zelda had always treated her like a

if it meant risking her own neck, Vivienne would come for the sake of her

to reach the kidnappers, but

the designated spot, they were told to move to another

realized they had been led to a

kidnappers, instructing them to carry the money up the

choice, they