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.”

your mouth,” Gillian snapped back, “Do you

no saint, and neither are

neither willing to back down until a clap of thunder outside drew their

Gillian produced two photographs from

Miller. He’s a senior at Elite University, aiming for

withering look, picking up Aaron’s photo. “Isn’t this

Gillian retorted, “Yes, last season’s champion. He’s also Vivienne’s protege. He seems quite taken with her, collecting all sorts of information on

is more your speed. Your

forget our master’s

their master, Mara shivered,

that’s it. Oh, 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 close with Aaron; you might be able

you,” Mara finished her wine in one

been one of convenience; Mara was from the Boyd family, a family with a sterling reputation, and she was Percival’s cousin.

said as

sat in the dark, clutching Aaron’s photo with

“Vivienne, just wait.”

fragrant with the scent of cherry blossoms, the

mood was far from

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

on campus, peace had been scarce

something from his room when he was greeted by the sight of a

it, half-tempted to cry

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

flung the door wide open. “You know it’s cold, and you’re drinking that? I wish

an eyeful of Kenneth’s indecency, and their laughter punctuated the

Close the door,” Kenneth rushed to

clothes and underwear on his bed,

me about shame?” Aaron chided.

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