The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The evening drizzle cast a somber tune against the windowpanes of a cozy suburban home.

Mara lounged in the living room after dismissing her evening help, swirling a glass of Cabernet as she stared blankly at the ceiling.

The front door swung open, but Mara did not flinch.

A chill draft swept through, prompting Mara to frown. “Ever heard of closing the door?”

“Always such a stickler for details, aren’t you?”

At the doorway, a woman shook off her umbrella, her stilettos clicking on the hardwood floor as she strode in.

The rhythmic tap of the heels only heightened Mara’s irritation, her frown growing deeper. “You’ve never had an ounce of manners.”

The woman sat down, her flawless features stark against Mara’s scar-streaked visage.

Eyeing the woman’s perfect complexion, Mara’s gaze turned venomous, a visceral urge to shatter her wine glass and scar that pristine face.

To aerate the expensive wine with her blood!

“Gillian, didn’t I tell you to cover that revolting face when you see me?”

This was the woman who had once been incarcerated for willful harm, Gillian Ashford!

Gillian snorted with contempt, crossing her long legs. “Compared to yours, I think my face is the least of our worries.”

Mara stood abruptly, fury in her eyes, and for a moment, she wanted nothing more than to throttle the life out of Gillian.

Gillian, however, nonchalantly gestured. “Sit down and listen to what I have to say, or you’ll regret it.”

Mara clenched her jaw, reluctantly sitting back down.

Then, she scoffed. “We’re both no better than lapdogs, Gillian. Do you think you’re still the darling of Sea City? I’ve got news for you – you’re nothing now. So quit parading around like you’re high and mighty, bitch.”

snapped back, “Do you

saint, and neither are

each other, neither willing to back down until a clap of thunder outside

a moment, Gillian produced two photographs

is Aaron Miller. He’s a senior at Elite University, aiming for a master’s in finance, and he’s

up Aaron’s

with her, collecting all sorts of information on her. Your

this? Luring men is more your speed. Your goal and his align perfectly – you

forget our

of their master, Mara shivered, her tone

and Kenneth from the Ellington family is also at Elite University. He seems to be in touch with Anna from Vanguard Agency, and that woman is trouble. Kenneth’s

can’t stand the sight of you,” Mara finished her

Boyd family, a family

yourself,” Gillian said as she

Mara sat in the dark, clutching Aaron’s photo with growing

“Vivienne, just wait.”

was fragrant with the scent of cherry blossoms, the air

was far from

had bought an apartment between the university and the company, though he had kept his dorm

arrived on campus, peace

he was greeted by the sight of a freshly showered Kenneth, casually strolling

cry out

the door! It’s cold,” Kenneth said nonchalantly, grabbing a soda from

it’s cold, and you’re drinking

of Kenneth’s indecency, and their laughter punctuated

door,” Kenneth rushed to

of clothes and underwear on his

Aaron chided. “This is my dorm,

bed carelessly, Kenneth replied, “We’re all friends here. What’s