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.

best uncle in the world, even better than

Vivienne stretched in the car and

with a smile. “What’s

yourself, I’ve

brakes hard enough to

becoming

But he liked it.

the family out early, claiming they were going for

Zelda was so sleepy

the rest of the family in a flurry

to

room, dizziness overwhelmed her,

into a sinister smile as she looked down at the unconscious

you’ll be my shield for the day. If something fatal happens, don’t blame

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

only to wake up

up –

the Lynette and Perez families will make

cracked across

husband either he pays up or

video, squeezed out a few crocodile

Zelda’s in trouble. I can’t reach Dad

Diana’s voice was heavy

feigning confusion. “What’s that?

I can’t get hold of Dad

on my way,” Vivienne said, hanging up and soon appearing

showed her 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

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

watched Vivienne rush to the car, a sly smile on

rescue; after all,

own neck, Vivienne would come for the sake of her place in the

kept trying to reach the kidnappers, but there was no

the designated spot, they were told

realized they had been

message from the kidnappers, instructing

choice, they