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.

the best uncle in the

stretched in the car and

with

driving yourself, I’ve missed kissing you in

enough to launch himself out of the

was becoming increasingly

But he liked it.

day, Maddox herded the family out early, claiming they were going

Zelda was so sleepy she refused

left with the rest of the family

to head

before she could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she collapsed to

smile as she looked down at the

for the day. If something fatal happens, don’t blame me!” Diana

figures emerged from Diana’s room, swiftly binding the unconscious Zelda and

to wake up and reach

video popped up –

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

cracked across

up. Tell your husband either he pays up or get ready to

watched the video, squeezed out a

Dad

phone, Diana’s voice was heavy with tears,

feigning confusion. “What’s that? Say

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

Vivienne said, hanging up

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

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

Vivienne rush to the car, a sly smile on

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

the road, Diana kept trying to reach the kidnappers, but there

they were

they had been

instructing them to carry the money up the

choice,