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.”

back, “Do you think

saint, and

women glared at each other, neither willing to back down until

produced two photographs from her

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

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

champion. He’s also Vivienne’s protege. He seems quite taken with her, collecting all sorts

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 Percival,

is serious. Don’t forget our master’s orders,” Gillian reminded

the mention of their master, Mara shivered,

now, that’s it. Oh, and Kenneth from the Ellington family is also at Elite University. He seems to be in touch with

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

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

said as she

in

“Vivienne, just wait.”

with the scent of cherry

mood was far from

the university and

Kenneth arrived on campus, peace had been

to retrieve something from his room when he was greeted by the sight of a freshly showered

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

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

it’s cold, and you’re drinking

got an eyeful of Kenneth’s

Close the door,” Kenneth rushed to

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

to me about shame?” Aaron chided. “This is my

bed carelessly, Kenneth replied, “We’re