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.

all, he was the best uncle in the

in the car and clicked

glanced at her with

you’ve been driving yourself, I’ve missed kissing

hard enough

becoming

But he liked it.

herded the family out early, claiming they were going

was so sleepy she refused

excused, and Maddox left with the

to

dizziness overwhelmed her, and she collapsed

smile as she looked

If something fatal

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

bed, only to wake up and reach for her

popped up –

dare hurt me, the Lynette and Perez families will

slap cracked across

up. Tell your husband either he pays

the video, squeezed out a few crocodile tears, then

trouble. I can’t reach Dad or my brothers. What do

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

“What’s that? Say it

get hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne,

on my way,” Vivienne said, hanging up and

money, Vivienne. They can’t be reached. Let’s go pay the ransom.

Vivienne nodded. “Let’s go.”

Vivienne rush to the car,

to Zelda’s rescue; after

her own neck, Vivienne would come

trying to reach the kidnappers,

at the designated spot, they were told to

several switches, Vivienne realized they had

message from the kidnappers, instructing

choice, they