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 world, even better than

up, Vivienne stretched in the

with a smile.

since you’ve been driving yourself, I’ve

slammed on the brakes hard enough to launch

was becoming increasingly

But he liked it.

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

Zelda was so sleepy she refused

the rest of

turned to head back

she could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she

twisted into a sinister smile as she looked

day. If something fatal happens, don’t

Diana’s room, swiftly binding the unconscious Zelda and whisking her away from the Perez

to

popped up –

If you dare hurt me, the Lynette and

slap cracked across Zelda’s

up. Tell your husband either he pays up

the video, squeezed out a few crocodile tears, then

I can’t reach Dad

the phone, Diana’s voice was heavy with tears,

“What’s

can’t get hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne, you’ve

Vivienne said, hanging up

They can’t be reached. Let’s

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

rush to the car, a sly smile on

Zelda’s rescue; after all, Zelda had always

Vivienne would come for

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

designated spot, they were told to move

switches, Vivienne realized they had been led to a

message from the kidnappers, instructing them to carry the money

choice,