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.

he was the best uncle in the world,

stretched in the car and clicked her

at her with a smile.

I’ve missed kissing you

nearly slammed on the brakes hard enough to launch himself out

becoming

But he liked it.

early,

so sleepy she refused

with the rest of the family

turned to head back

her room, dizziness overwhelmed

her, Diana’s face twisted into a sinister smile as

the day. If something fatal happens, don’t

binding the unconscious Zelda and

went back to bed, only to wake up

video popped up –

me, the Lynette and Perez families will

cracked

husband either he pays

out a few crocodile tears,

reach Dad or my

phone, Diana’s voice was heavy with tears,

feigning confusion. “What’s that? Say

want a ransom, but I can’t get hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne, you’ve got to come

way,” Vivienne said, hanging up

Vivienne. They can’t be reached.

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

car, a sly smile

Vivienne would come to Zelda’s rescue; after all, Zelda had always

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

kept trying to reach the kidnappers,

spot, they were told to move

Vivienne realized they had been led

came another message from the kidnappers, instructing them to carry the money up

no choice,