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

in the car and clicked her

her with a smile. “What’s

driving yourself, I’ve missed

brakes hard enough to launch himself out

was becoming

But he liked it.

out early, claiming they were going

sleepy she refused

busyness, got excused, and Maddox left with the rest of the family in a flurry

turned to head back

could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed

her, Diana’s face twisted into a sinister smile as she looked down at the unconscious

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

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

went back to bed, only to wake up and reach

video popped up – Zelda’s

dare hurt me, the Lynette and Perez

cracked across

your husband either he pays up

video, squeezed out a few

I can’t reach Dad or my

the phone, Diana’s voice was heavy with

“What’s that? Say it

kidnapped! The kidnappers want a ransom, but I can’t get hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne, you’ve got to come quick. Zelda’s in real

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 might be

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

car, a sly smile on her

rescue; after all, Zelda had

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

reach the kidnappers, but

spot, they

realized they had

the kidnappers, instructing them to

no choice,