The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

While the uncles settled their friendly wagers, the aunties had already encircled Vivienne in lively conversation.

“Sweetie, I heard you were back in town and didn’t have time to rustle up anything fancy. So, I’ve got these few properties for you. Prime real estate, all of them. Should you not fancy any, we’ll shop around for others.”

How could they be anything but prime? Situated in the heart of major cities, Vivienne would never lack a place to call home wherever she went!

“Darling, since she has gifted you homes, how about I throw in some wheels? I heard you have a taste for motorcycles, sports cars, and off-roaders. They’re all parked in the garage for you, ready to be picked up. If they don’t suit your fancy, we’ll get you something else.”

Each vehicle was a limited edition, the kind Vivienne had only seen in Percival’s private collection.

“And Vivienne, I still love getting you dresses. I’ve bought heaps, complete with matching jewelry, all tucked away in those closets. Just a start, we’ll hit the shops for more!”

Just a start? Zelda’s dress collection for Vivienne was so extensive she could change every hour and not run out of options!

Karen chuckled and handed Vivienne a bracelet.

“Willa handcrafted this; she asked me to give it to you.” Karen slipped the bracelet onto Vivienne’s wrist.

Ever since Willa learned Vivienne was Karen’s daughter, she had started crafting this bracelet, meticulously carving each bead with patience uncharacteristic of her usual self.

“Thank you all, Aunties. And Mom, please extend my gratitude to Auntie Willa, too.” Vivienne’s heart swelled with emotion, filling a void she did not realize she had.

From then on, she was no longer alone in this world.

She had a mother, a grandfather, loving uncles and aunties.

And, of course, her beloved Mr. Wolf!

Vivienne’s gaze met Percival’s, her eyes brimming with joy.

From their first encounter, it was her radiant eyes that had captivated him.

finally, he could see the happiness shimmering in

a lover, could

the most joyous moments of

that he could be there to accompany her

“In-law!”

excited, called from beyond the door. Percival went to greet

unmistakably his

the Perez family could greet with such

helped Richard inside, followed by the heavily laden Nathan Ellington and

instantly recognized Karen as Vivienne’s mother. She approached, gripping Karen’s hands with fervor, “I’m Percival’s mother. It’s

having met her while mentoring Percival, although Cecilia was

after Vivienne when I couldn’t.

added, “We have others eager to meet

it must be

you bring your father and mother

a nod, Vivienne stepped outside. Dorian and Cordelia, moved by Karen’s invitation, felt an overwhelming

Dorian and Cordelia were flooded with emotion

savior; she was a cherished friend,

Karen opened her arms and embraced them

time, yet they connected as if they

been too

full of words, both Dorian and Cordelia

with joy, and even guests like Melissa and Vance felt right

Everyone there was family.

Vivienne’s surprise, she and Percival became the unintended

sat with stern faces, scrutinizing

hesitated with her strawberry cheesecake, unsure whether to eat or not under the intense gazes of

want to say,

aback: It’s news to us that our young master is timid. What