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.”

mouth,” Gillian snapped back, “Do you think you’re

saint, and neither

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

Gillian produced two photographs

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

withering look, picking up

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

“Shouldn’t you be the one doing this? Luring men is more your

this is serious. Don’t forget

shivered, her tone

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;

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

too eager to leave. Their friendship had been one of convenience; Mara was from the Boyd family, a family with a sterling reputation, and she was Percival’s cousin.

yourself,” Gillian said as

heavier, Mara sat in the dark, clutching

“Vivienne, just wait.”

University was fragrant with the scent of

was far

between the university and the company,

arrived on campus, peace had

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

to cry out for security

see it’s raining? Close the door! It’s cold,” Kenneth said nonchalantly, grabbing a soda from the

and you’re drinking that? I wish it

open, passersby got an eyeful of Kenneth’s indecency, and

you no shame? Close the door,” Kenneth

the litter of clothes and underwear on his bed, opted for the small

talking to me about shame?” Aaron chided.

replied, “We’re all friends here. What’s the big