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

and

at each other, neither willing to back down until

moment, Gillian produced two photographs from

Elite University, aiming for a master’s in

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

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

laughed derisively. “Shouldn’t you be the one doing this? Luring men is more your speed. Your goal and his align perfectly – you want to marry

Don’t forget our master’s

the mention of their master, Mara shivered, her tone becoming more

be in touch with Anna from Vanguard Agency, and that woman is trouble. Kenneth’s close with Aaron; you might be able to kill two birds

can’t stand the sight of you,” Mara

from the Boyd family, a family with a sterling reputation, and she

said

grew heavier, Mara sat in the dark,

“Vivienne, just wait.”

University was fragrant with the

mood was far from

university and the company, though he had kept his

on campus, peace had been

greeted by the sight of a

nearly lost it, half-tempted to cry out for security at

it’s raining? Close the door! It’s cold,” Kenneth said nonchalantly,

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

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

Close the door,” Kenneth rushed

underwear on his bed, opted

shame?” Aaron chided.

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