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

saint, and neither are

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

a moment, Gillian produced two photographs from

at Elite University, aiming for a master’s

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

disdain, 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 her. Your task

your speed.

Don’t forget our master’s orders,” Gillian

of their master, Mara shivered, her

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

the sight of you,” Mara

to leave. Their friendship had been one of convenience; Mara was from the Boyd family, a family

yourself,” Gillian said

rain grew heavier, Mara sat in

“Vivienne, just wait.”

Elite University was fragrant with the scent of cherry blossoms, the air fresh

mood was far from

and the company, though

Kenneth arrived on campus, peace had been scarce in

come to retrieve something from his room when he was greeted by the sight of a freshly showered Kenneth, casually strolling about in the

lost it, half-tempted to cry out for

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

“You know it’s cold, and you’re drinking

eyeful of Kenneth’s indecency, and their laughter

shame? Close the door,”

underwear on his bed, opted for the

talking to me about shame?” Aaron chided. “This

replied, “We’re