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

in the car and clicked her

with a smile.

yourself, I’ve missed

slammed on the brakes hard enough to launch himself out of the

was becoming increasingly

But he liked it.

Maddox herded the family out early, claiming they were

so sleepy she

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

turned to head back

room, dizziness overwhelmed her, and

as she looked down at the

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

room, swiftly binding the unconscious

only to wake up and reach for

up – Zelda’s

me go! If you dare hurt me, the Lynette

cracked across Zelda’s

Tell your husband either he pays up

squeezed out a few crocodile

reach Dad

was heavy with tears,

“What’s that? Say it

hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne,

way,” Vivienne said, hanging up

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.”

Vivienne rush to the car, a sly smile on her

come to Zelda’s rescue; after all,

come for the sake of her place

reach the kidnappers, but there

the designated spot, they were told to move

switches, Vivienne realized they had

instructing them to carry the money

no choice,